Southampton: From 57-1 overnight, the tourists were eventually bowled out for 318, with Kraigg Brathwaite making 65, Shane Dowrich 61 and Roston Chase 47.
In doing so, they took advantage of improved batting conditions under sunny skies at the empty ground, but also put England’s 204 all out into context.
The home side at least battled through a tough 40-minute spell at the beginning of their second innings, openers Rory Burns and Dom Sibley reaching 15-0, 99 behind.
Without a crowd to lift them, there were times when England’s bowlers struggled.
Stand-in captain Ben Stokes provided inspiration with 4-49, James Anderson nagged away for his 3-62 and off-spinner Dom Bess impressed for 2-51, but the extra pace of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood did not make an impact.
That will only fuel the debate over the decision to drop Stuart Broad, who candidly spoke of being “angry, frustrated and gutted” to be left out.
However, England are behind in this match because they did not get enough runs after choosing to bat first, in grey and damp conditions.
They must put in an improved batting display on Saturday in order to set West Indies a testing target to chase on a pitch that is likely to deteriorate.
This was a collective effort by West Indies. Although no player went on to make a huge score, the tourists put together several meaningful partnerships, rarely gifted wickets and ensured they never fell in clusters.
Their willingness to occupy the crease was epitomised by Chase, who dug in to such an extent that he scored only 14 runs between lunch and tea.
He picked up the mantle left by Brathwaite, the obdurate opener moving from his overnight 20 with tucks and nudges into the leg side.
Flair was provided by the handsome drives that made up Shamarh Brooks’ 39, while the combative Dowrich arrived at 186-5 and marshalled the lower order up to and beyond 300.
When England came to bat, they were faced with a tricky evening period in which the West Indies fielders were chirpy and their bowlers on the money.
Playing and missing on numerous occasions, Sibley and Burns clung on for 10 overs to give the home side a much-needed boost.
