Alastair Cook has guided England to 143-1 in the morning session of day three of the second Test against the West Indies in Grenada.

The England skipper, who has been short of runs of late, has reached lunch unbeaten on 67 in his first innings, while Gary Ballance stands unscathed on seven runs after replacing Jonathan Trott.

The tourists entered today's play 223 runs behind the West Indies and it was a strong start from Cook and Trott, who took to the bat in more favourable weather conditions than Wednesday.

Cook reached his 39th Test half-century with a push on the leg side, and Trott, who spent months away from the sport last year due to stress, shortly followed with a 50 of his own, which he brought up off the bowling of Devendra Bishoo.

During a frustrating morning for the Windies, the breakthrough was finally made by Bishoo, whose delivery forced Trott (59) to edge too close gully, where Jermaine Blackwood was positioned to take the catch.

Cook will be grateful that he will return to the crease for the afternoon session as he could have been sent packing by Bishoo, but the captain survived a close lbw review.