ST GEORGE’S, Grenada (CMC) – Middle order batsman Marlon Samuels was leading a valiant effort by West Indies to dig themselves out of a hole against England at tea on the first day of the second test at the National cricket stadium here on Tuesday

Samuels is unbeaten on 35 and has already put on 28 runs for the 5th wicket with Jermaine Blackwood as the home side continues a stubborn resistance against England’s pacers.

He has been batting responsibly and has already struck three fours.

Blackwood, who scored a century in the first test, is 12 as the West Indies attempt to stabilise an innings which plunge into further trouble with the Loss of Darren Bravo and Shiv Chanderpaul in the post lunch session.

Bravo, who smashed five fours, was caught on 35 in the wake of a stubborn 37 run stand with Samuels for the third wicket after West Indies went to lunch at 36 for two.

Bravo played a lazy shot attempting to follow a ball from Stuart Broad that was angled across him and got an edge to first slip.

Blackwood and Samuels have taken West Indies across the 100 run mark as they continue a laborious task of repairing the innings.