Crucial day looms – Brooks

West Indies batsman Shamarh Brooks says the team will decide if they go after the runs England set them or just play for a draw on today's final day of the second Test at Old Trafford.

After restricting the West Indies to 287, England batting a second time was 37 for 2 after day four with a lead of 219 runs and one full day to play.

The West Indies just managed to avoid the follow-on, thanks to resolute knocks of 75 from Kraigg Brathwaite, 68 from Brooks, and 51 from Roston Chase, as there were three wickets each for Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes, who made use of the new ball in the final session of play.

Jamaican batsman Jermaine Blackwood could not follow up his first Test heroics, as he went for a duck, bowled by Broad.

With a lead of 182 runs, England sent in the dashing Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes to try and get some quick runs; however, Kemar Roach bowled Buttler for nought and then rattled the stumps of Zak Crawley for 11 to leave England on 17 for 2.

Hunt for quick runs

Stokes on 16 and Joe Root 8 took the host to stumps at 37 for 2 without further loss.

With a full day of cricket to play, Brooks says England will be on the hunt for quick runs today. However, the West Indies bowlers will have to halt their progress as quickly as possible.

"We have to let England spend as much time batting and make it difficult for them to get runs. Whatever they set us, I think the start is going to be very important. We need to start well, and we are going to have to decide as a team if we are going to chase the runs or look to make it a drawn game," said Brooks.

The right-hander added that the wicket is still good for batting; however, the use of the new ball in both innings is going to be crucial to the outcome of the game.

The West Indies lead the three-match series 1-0 following their four-wicket win in the first Test in Southampton.