And that is that. Jos Buttler covers up the final over of the day, delivered by the show-stealing Marlon Samuels. Comedy salutes aside, it has been England's day, mainly thanks to an unbeaten century from Joe Root. He has taken his country to 373-6, a lead of 74. Tomorrow, they will push for victory.

Tom in Stoke: Interesting how prior to this match, England's top order was under scrutiny, whilst the middle order was heavily praised. Today's scorecard reads quite the opposite, funny old game eh?

Bishoo with his final over of a day that has involved a lot of work. Still the soundtrack comes from the band - they will sleep well tonight, too. Buttler looks to hit through the off side as Root, who has swapped his helmet for a cap, watches on. Last over coming up.

John Warrington: Just imagine if Stokes gets Samuels in the second innings.

Gareth Rees: I am the only one that thinks sledging doesn't show a competitive instinct, it just makes you look and sound a bit childish?

S. P. Cooper: England should have an almighty swing now and declare overnight. Be brave; go for the win!

As usual at this time, the sun has dipped behind the stands, meaning that the whole ground is shrouded in shadow. Still the send-off king Marlon, throwing himself a catch and moving fielders here and there. I wonder how keen Ben Stokes is to bowl at him in the second innings. I wonder what he might say to him if he gets him out? Also, did the rest of the England team find that as funny as the rest of us? They might have been trying to contain their laughter as Stokes, who has had some anger issues in the past, returned to the dressing room.

David Jacobs in London: A truly immature shot from Stokes and a truly immature reaction from Samuels.

The Samuels send-off gets better every time I see it. Better than any verbal volley he could have come up with. I wonder if Stokes will be waiting for him on the car park later on. Anyway, back to the action, where England have lost their momentum somewhat. Is the plan now to play for the close? They will want Root and Buttler there in the morning for a push of the accelerator.

Thomas Bonser: Solid banter from Marlon Samuels saluting Ben Stokes off the pitch pretty sure the guys fielding in a pair of Ray Bans as well.

Matthew Warne: Best thing I've seen on a cricket field in yonks Marlon Samuels - Daddy Cool.

Greg: Lovely send off by Samuels after he was abused so much when he batted.

Have you ever known a better send-off than that? Replays show how Samuels stood statuesque, like a marine, holding the pose as Stokes was forced to march past. For his part, Stokes had a word, but resisted the urge to wrap his bat around Samuels' neck. Jos Buttler the new man, the unusual sight of a badgeless helmet on his head. Samuels now has the ball, Root taking a single. Four overs left in the day.

Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"It was a poor dismissal and Samuels ran 15 yards to give Stokes a send-off. I think he did quite well not to do anything untoward in return. I am quite shocked England have not sent in a nightwatchman and Buttler has been sent out."

Image source, Reuters

This is absolutely extraordinary. Ben Stokes has completely fallen on his sword, pulling a Devendra Bishoo long hop straight down the throat of Jermaine Blackwood on the leg-side boundary. If that's not bad enough for the England all-rounder, Marlon Samuels pulls out of the greatest sends-off I have ever seen. He runs 15 yards, waits on the line that Stokes must pass to get to the pavilion and silently salutes. Very, very funny.

In all of the kerfuffle at the other end, Joe Root has ticked along, this time nudging the single that gives the people what they want, more of Marlon v Ben. "Yeah Marly, yeah Marly," is that chat from behind when Stokes fails to line up the offie. "One-trick Charlie, here." Stokes is doing his best to give Samuels some leather, but can't free his arms. In the end, he gets a single thanks to an overthrow.

James in Kent: Why curse Cook and Root with captaincy? Why not pick a good captain instead? How many runs do good field placings save and how many wickets the right tactics buy? A good captain need only be average in stats if you take this on board, but instead England insist on converting great players into poor scorers and still end up with mediocre captains.

"Catch iiiittttt," is the cry as Ben Stokes miscues a pull shot off Bishoo. It lands safely on the leg side and Stokes gets away with one. In the stands, various parties are happening in the evening sunshine. The locals tap the beat, while the Barmy Army tell us that they are "mental and mad". Stokes continues to line Bishoo up over the leg side, but he's barely getting the ball off track. Maybe play for the close, Ben?

Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special

"It's interesting between Stokes and Samuels because Stokes will want to smash Samuels for six to tell him to shut up and that is exactly what the bowler will want. It is a real battle of wills."

Jos Buttler, padded up as the next man in, waits with his chin on his hands as Marlon Samuels growls an appeal against Ben Stokes. Not out, a run taken, bringing the two together at the non-striker's end. Words. "I say Marlon old chap, us falling out is rather silly. Why don't you let me buy you a cold beverage after play?"

Ed Smith
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special

"Such is the form of Joe Root even his mishits are going safe."

All of today's overs were supposed to be bowled by 22:15, but with nine to go after this, we'll be over-running. Leggie Bishoo in the lengthening shadows, Joe Root's slog sweep going straight up but landing safely at long-on. They run a couple, Root having to do it without his bat, which has been dropped on the pitch. There's always something comical about a batsman running without his bat. Part baseballer, part Michelin man.

That double-wicket blow may prevent England from reaching a lead of 100 by the close. The chances are they will have spin all the way, played out against the backdrop of Marlon v Ben. That battle resumes as two larger ladies shakes their hips in the stands. Good rhythm. Stokes looks for the reverse sweep, missing, but no danger. Scoring has slowed.