Cook continuing to warm to his task, playing the sort of strokes you only see when his in decent nick, namely a push down the ground for a couple. And again, this time a swivel on a pull shot for a single. Slowly, slowly, catchy monkey for the skip. The Windies look like they need a change.

Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"The body language of the West Indies tells you that they know it is going to be a long day. They need to do something to inject some energy into their play. These two batsman will lose patience at some point and you trying something different, like a bouncer, could induce a mistake."

Image source, Getty Images

Alastair Cook has started today with much more comfort than his early moments last evening. Then, he looked a man searching for the ball, groping in the dark. Here, he has looked closer to his old self, patiently watching around his off stump, waiting for the ball to come to him. When Roach gets too straight, Cook works off the hip for one. Windies have been disciplined, but it's looking like a lot of hard yakka.

Howard Horner: What a wonderful opportunity for Cook and Trott. Perfect weather, flat pitch, weak bowling attack. Sun shining, make hay.

Foocoh: Long Philosophy of Mind lecture but live text is getting me through.

Joel Heritage: Group work in Maths. Needless to say everyone else doing all the work while I keep up to date with the cricket!

West Indies blink first in this battle of wills, Gabriel eschewing his off-stump patience to check out Jonathan Trott's ticker. Short leg in, round the wicket, strike up the band for some chin music. Trott, who I imagine isn't much of a dancer, isn't interested in the tune that Gabriel belts out, ducking under the bumpers with the minimum of fuss. I'd love to see Trott cutting some rug at a wedding. I bet he plays air violin to Come On Eileen. When Gabriel goes back over, Trott edges through the slips for four.

Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"I saw Cook in the nets this morning just getting back to basics. When you are out of form and confidence you just go back to where you began. I finished my career and asked myself why I did not do that all the time because going back to the basics can get you back to form."

Kemar Roach and a chunky gold chain, slipping in as shadows intermittently sweep across the ground. Round the wicket to Cook, who is getting so far across that leg stump is exposed when he plays the ball. Roach still accurate enough to keep Cook watchful, the skipper dutifully plodding forward in defence. On the England balcony, half of the Yorkshire first XI discuss the best way to carry a drinks tray.

Kofi in Imperial College: Write up 10,000 word Masters dissertation on Supergravity or follow glorious Test cricket? Hmmmm..... I think we all know the answer to this one .

Image source, AP

Dave, I'm sort of with you. I kept wicket for the first time this season last weekend. I felt like someone had replaced my thighs with steel rods. People not familiar with cricket don't give it the credit it deserves when it comes to the pain we put ourselves through to play the game. Injuries abound at all levels, from the back garden to Lord's. Anyway, still not much happening out there, England setting the stall out. Some seam movement for the slingshot Gabriel, three singles from it.

Dave in a Sheffield hospital: About to have a knee operation (injured opening the bowling for my local team, naturally), sure Cook will be closing on the ton when I come round!

The Windies have been good so far this morning, showing a consistency of length that often evaded England when they had the cherry. Roach to Trott, the batsman falling over one that is angling in on his pads. Stifled appeal, umpire Steve Davis not in the least bit interested. Davis, 63 years old, is wearing the big, black shades of a man half is age. He looks like a cool grandad.

Michael Vaughan
Ex-England captain on BBC Test Match Special

"It has been a patient morning and I think this is all England have to do. The first thing at the start of an innings - which it is when you start a new day - you have to get your feet moving again. I think the team talk would have been to be patient in the opening spells knowing that the West Indies were going to come hard."

Gabriel switches his slingy action to round the wicket, hoping to create the off-stump uncertainty that has plagued Alastair Cook for a couple of years. The England skipper must go to sleep dreaming of finding his off stump, like searching for the Holy Grail. In fresh whites (do they stick them in the wash overnight, or is there a big selection of shirts?), Cook watchfully defends as Gabriel goes full. Another maiden. Quiet start.

Rachel T: Cry God for Alastair, England and Saint George!

Paul Barker: England need to be really positive today if they are to push on and get a big lead.

Kemar Roach from t'other end, hustling towards that structure that reminds me of the hotel I stayed in Spain on my first holiday abroad. Alcudia, circa 1992. Round the wicket to Cook, who immediately opens his account for the day with an inside edge on to the leg side. When Roach gets one to nip back, Trott takes a glancing blow in a spot where no man wants to take a blow, glancing or otherwise. He doesn't even flinch. Steely.

Ben in Dover: Calling it now, Trotty double century to cement his place as England opener!

Charlie in Dorset: Biology, chemistry, maths or the cricket.... Revise for my a levels or listen to every ball of the Test? (I hope my dad isn't also reading the commentary).

Image source, AFP

Actually, make that three slips, waiting as Gabriel hangs the ball outside off stump. As usual, the Barmies sing Jerusalem. I'll be honest, they consist of a certain type of character, the Army. Mostly men, 35-50. Gabriel has enough of the off-stump exploration and tests out the middle of the pitch twice in succession, with Trott awake enough to duck underneath. We begin with a maiden.

Jonathan Agnew
BBC Test Match Special

"Cook and Trott cannot win because on social media I have already seen some blogs and such saying that even if they get hundreds then if will not mean anything because of the bowling attack and the pitch. They can only play against what they are out there against and it will do them good to get some runs - it seems all I interview Cook about at the moment is his batting woes."

Here come the England batsmen, stretching and blinking as they emerge into the sunshine, applauded by the travelling band of supporters. There's a slight breeze, the cross of St George (on St George's day) lazily fluttering.

Trott will be on strike, Shannon Gabriel will have the ball. There are two slips and a gully.

Jamie P: Today is a key day - Eng need to be positive throughout to build up a lead without dawdling. I would be happier if Cook and Trott focus on achieving this as best they can rather than personal milestones (which would keep the press happier). Team objective is the key.