So a mixed day for England, who will be delighted to have seen their captain get a long-awaited century but not quite so thrilled with the overall complexion of the day, which definitely belonged to West Indies. Plenty of work to do tomorrow when they resume at 240-7. Join us for live text of the second day at 14:25 BST. Until then, adios.
"West Indies bowled better, but England played some poor shots. Bell's shot was a shocker, Root got himself without overconfidence. I think England could have done better, and the game is definitely moving on, If England can get 280 or 290, that's something to bowl at."
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Michael Blighe: The Cook doubters need to appreciate this ton for what it is. Mental grittiness and a much needed morale boost! Nice one Chef!
Sam: Not sure I've ever celebrated a century as emphatically as that, and what a time for a captain's innings.
"Trott had a great Test record before his illness but since his comeback he's on the move before the bowler lets the ball go. If you do that to pace bowlers and it's short of a length you are in serious difficulties. You don't have time to react and you are in no-man's land.
"All the bowlers have seen that, especially the Australian fast bowlers, and they will be licking their chops."
Post update
England all-rounder Moeen Ali on Sky Sports: "Once I played 30-40 balls I felt quite comfortable, it was just a shame I got run out again. Cooky hit it but I didn't think there was a run, but I trusted the call. It's great for him to get a hundred, it was a shame he got out at the end. We probably lost two too many wickets but we've still got batsmen and hopefully we can get to 350.
"I'm looking forward to bowling on there tomorrow, or hopefully the day after!"
"Cook made two mistakes only. He ran Moeen Ali out, he hit it hard straight to the fielder and I don't think Usain Bolt would have made it. I thought Moeen himself batted very well - he did it when England were under pressure and they've got England to a reasonable total."
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Former England spinner Shaun Udal: Very pleased for Captain Cook on his 100. Apart from anything else you'll never meet a nicer man, EVER.
"Cook has played splendidly, he's been good for the team to bat all day when wickets have been going throughout day.
"I watched his feet, he was going back and forward and above all he played straight. He fully deserved his hundred. In Tests, he's not been in that bad form, we've got confused because he was struggling in one-day cricket. With concentration, patience and footwork like that he will always make runs in Test cricket."
Click the live audio icon at the top of the page for Test Match Special commentary
WICKET
Cook c Ramdin b Samuels 105 (Eng 240-7)
Alastair Cook can't believe what he's done. He's slumped on his bat handle, he doesn't want to go, but he has to. With five balls to survive before the close, he tries to cut Marlon Samuels and gets an under-edge to Denesh Ramdin. That's the end of the day, and make no mistake, it's West Indies' day. England in a pickle.
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Post update
Tino Best
West Indies fast bowler on BBC Test Match Special
"This is why I love Test cricket because it separates the sheep from the goats."
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Andy Donley: That has to be my favourite sporting moment of 2015 so far. Hopefully the start of another special year for Cook.
Ollie Kemp: I've seen many hundreds in my time but enjoyed none as much as that. Well done Cooky, and welcome back!
Eng 238-6 (Cook 103, Buttler 0)
Now, the emotion of that Cook hundred shouldn't disguise the fact that this has been a mixed day for England, especially with that wicket of Ben Stokes. They'll be desperate to get through to the close without further losses. Holder keeps Buttler on 0 with a maiden.
Post update
Tino Best
West Indies fast bowler on BBC Test Match Special
"It was one of the better hundreds I've seen. That is how you score hundreds in Test cricket, by playing straight in the v to start."
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Becky Davies: Think all England cricket fans just simultaneously cheered and breathed a sigh of relief!
Pete Hotchkiss: I SO hope that's the start of Cook finding some serious runs again now.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Eng 238-6
A great knock from Cook, who has stood tall while others around him have crumbled today - and really it was no more than he deserved after a rich vein of recent form in which he has appeared to rediscover his famed powers of concentration.
"Think of the journey Cook has been on and he's answered it with a wonderful performance for England."
100 for Cook
Eng 238-6
It's there! Alastair Cook lets out a scream of jubilation as he finally ends his two-year long century drought. Not since May 2013 have we seen him raise his bat for three figures but he's done it again, century number 26 for England. He gets a ball on his legs from Gabriel, clips it through midwicket and suddenly all the frustrations of the past two years melt away.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Post update
Tino Best
West Indies fast bowler on BBC Test Match Special
"Cook has batted so well today. I've been impressed by his technique. He's defended a lot and has looked solid. Like a wall."
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Firas: The moment you see the 6th wicket go and you're begging it's not Ali Cook.
Eng 234-6
Jos Buttler comes to the crease with his skipper two away from a restorative hundred. He's like your perennially unlucky-in-love sister, Alastair Cook - sure we roll our eyes and have the occasional chuckle at his trials and tribulations, but deep down we all want to see him find happiness again, don't we? He's just one run away now after a clip to square leg.
WICKET
Stokes c Hope b Gabriel (Eng 233-6)
Somebody protect the Kensington Oval lockers. Ben Stokes has perished to a silly dismissal, back-cutting Shannon Gabriel straight into the hands of Shai Hope at gully.
Post update
Tino Best
West Indies fast bowler on BBC Test Match Special
"The trouble with Jason Holder is he is not really quick. You need at least two bowlers who bowl quick, that is what wins you Test matches."
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Nick Hall: Oh Alastair! I'm hiding from the scores more often. What an effort under that pressure. I can see a high scoring summer.
Dan Wright: Dear cricketing world, the moment you feared is here. Ali Cook closing in on a century. Oh, be afraid... Come on England!
Eng 232-5 (Cook 97, Stokes 22)
I know Alastair Cook divides opinion but surely you can't begrudge the skipper a ton here after the past two years. He gets a little closer to his ton with a single to mid-off.
Post update
Tino Best
West Indies fast bowler on BBC Test Match Special
"Cook has got his feet moving well and he has played with authority. I would be happy for him if he scores a hundred."
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Eleanor Cunningham: Tense music from the Bourne Ultimatum on TV gathering pace as Cook nears his century...coincidence?
Eng 231-5
Shannon Gabriel, all piston things and flared nostrils, pounds in at Alastair Cook. The England captain hoicks him rather untidily over midwicket but he gets enough of it to pick up four and move in to the 90s. And then he collects a couple more with a pull to long leg, and adds a single to mid-off. 96 now for the skipper - bunting on standby please...
Scorecard update
England 223-5 (83 overs) after winning the toss
Batsmen: Cook 89 from 240 balls (10x4), Stokes 22 from 42 (3x4)
Fall of wickets: 0-1 (Trott 0), 38-2 (Ballance 18), 38-3 (Bell 0), 91-4 (Root 33), 189-5 (Moeen 58)
Bowling figures: Taylor 15-7-33-0, Gabriel 9-2-23-1, Holder 13-3-32-2, Samuels 26-5-49-0, Permaul 20-1-86-1
Click the live audio icon at the top of the page for Test Match Special commentary
Post update
Tino Best
West Indies fast bowler on BBC Test Match Special
"A pretty even day at the Kensington Oval. I think if the West Indies get another one they will be up but an easy paced pitch I must say."
Eng 223-5 (partnership 34)
Stokes climbs into Jason Holder and belts him over midwicket for four. The fair-skinned all-rounder looks like he could do with a liberal application of aftersun after the close of play, but in terms of temperament he's anything but frazzled out there.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Peter Collins: Cook could carry his bat for a team score of 400 and still not get his century... but at least he's getting confidence!
Eng 219-5
Shannon Gabriel, who has been remarkably under-utilised today since he claimed the wicket of Jonathan Trott this morning, finally returns to the attack to share the new ball. Cook continues his sedate march towards three figures by helping him round the corner for a single.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Richard Johnson: Is this the equivalent of safety play in snooker?
New ball
Eng 217-5 (Holder 12-3-28-2)
The West Indies elect to take the new ball immediately. This morning's destroyer-in-chief Jason Holder gets the cherry. Stokes cleverly glides him down to third man for four.
Eng 213-5 (Cook 88, Stokes 13)
Cook and Stokes milk a single each off Permaul, and the new ball is available.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Eng 211-5
Samuels, who has outbowled Permaul today without ever really looking like taking a wicket, scoots through another over for the loss of two singles.
Cook's last Test century
Alastair Cook's last Test century came in the second innings of England's 247-run win against New Zealand at Lord's in May 2013.
He put on 72 for the first wicket with Nick Compton, who contributed just seven from 85 balls in what was his last Test match.
The skipper then put on 130 with Jonathan Trott, batting at three, before falling to Kane Williamson for 130.
Incidentally, a certain Graeme Swann took figures of 10-132 to be named man of the match.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Eng 209-5 (Permaul 19-1-84-1)
Veerasammy Permaul is back. Does his return mean West Indies are thinking of taking the new ball in three overs? Looking at Jason Holder getting loose, you might well think so. Permaul has an unfortunate habit of throwing in a four-ball every over and there's another one, sitting up short and begging to be swept to the square leg boundary. Captain Cook duly obliges.
"In a Test match you should be naturally more cautious than in one-day games because there is not the need for runs. If there was a slight risk why would you run on the first day of a Test match?"
Eng 202-5 (Cook 82, Stokes 8)
I can't remember the last time I looked up and Marlon Samuels wasn't bowling. He's performing a holding role for Denesh Ramdin and you'd have to say from that point of view he's done a decent job. Cook moves into the 80s with a whip through midwicket.
Drinks break
Eng 198-5
The DJ at the Kensington Oval is indeed making a superb racket. He's got red headphones and gold decks. Outstanding. Back out in the middle, Ben Stokes gets lucky when he props forward tentatively at a length ball from Jerome Taylor and is lucky to see it fly between second and third slip on the bounce. I thought we'd had drinks earlier but I must have been mistaken because we're having them now.
The arrival of Ben Stokes has woken the West Indies fielders up - there's more chirp than an aviary of galahs out there at the moment. Stokes keeps the strike with a single off the last ball of Taylor's over.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Rachel T: Whoopsie. Well, I think that's what Cook just said.
Blonde Bear: Selfish run-out caused by Cook. Likely to cloud his mind and stop the elusive century?
"Moeen Ali is the 10th England player to be run out in consecutive innings... the first since Monty Panesar in 2008."
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Eng 190-5
Ben Stokes is the new man, on a ground where he once broke his hand punching a locker in frustration. He's off the mark against his old adversary Marlon Samuels with a back-foot punch to cover.
"England have to carry on the same way. It may not be to some people's liking, not scoring quickly, but I think it has been fascinating cricket."
Eng 189-5
We took drinks immediately after that wicket, where replays showed Alastair Cook putting his palm to his face and chuntering away to himself in frustration. A horrible feeling, that. But can he put it out of his mind and go on to get his long-awaited century? He's lucky not to get an edge behind when Taylor beats him all ends up with an absolute doozy that just moves away off the seam.
"Backward point is back about five or six yards deeper than normal. Cook hit it straight to the fielder's right hand and I think Moeen had given up."
WICKET
Moeen run out 58 (Eng 189-5)
Oh skipper, what have you done? Alastair Cook has thrown Moeen Ali to the wolves here. The captain taps Marlon Samuels straight to point and inexplicably calls Moeen through for the run. It's a doomed effort for Moeen, he's never getting there, like a man sprinting down the railway station steps as the last train pulls out. On the balcony, Peter Moores runs his hand over his head in frustration.
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Scorecard update
England 188-4 (70 overs) after winning the toss
Batsmen: Cook 77 from 205 balls (9x4), Moeen 57 from 129 (8x4, 1x6)
Fall of wickets: 0-1 (Trott 0), 38-2 (Ballance 18), 38-3 (Bell 0), 91-4 (Root 33)
Bowling figures: Taylor 12-6-26-0, Gabriel 8-2-21-1, Holder 11-3-24-2, Samuels 21-5-40-0, Permaul 18-1-77-1
"I don't think I have seen Alastair Cook play as well for a while. His footwork and playing straight towards mid-off, rather than cover and square cover, has been exemplary."
Eng 188-4 (Taylor 12-6-26-0)
Cook inches determinedly towards his longed-for hundred with a two to extra cover.
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Jimbo: Permaul's action is like a man trying and failing to get out of a jumper that doesn't fit him.
Eng 186-4 (Cook 75, Moeen 57)
It hardly helps ease the sense of enervation that Marlon Samuels is perhaps the world's most languid bowler - a man so relaxed that you half expect him to break off in his delivery stride to stifle a yawn, or light a big cigar. He manages to resist that urge for now as he sends down an over that yields one more single for Alastair Cook.
Eng 185-4 (partnership 94)
Finally, we're going to have a bit of pace. Jerome Taylor is the man who has been summoned to deliver it. He bowled too wide earlier today but he starts off a little straighter in this spell. Moeen plays out a watchful maiden.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Nick Hall: Scared to look and listen. Switch off for one hour then see how the Captain is going. A phenomenal century if he can convert.
Eng 185-4 (Samuels 20-5-39-0)
Not much happening for West Indies here, just going through the motions. Moeen takes a single off Samuels.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Si Lomas: These last couple of hours captaincy from Ramdin has been shocking, completely let game drift and handed initiative to England.
Eng 184-4 (Cook 74, Moeen 56)
England are taking control here. Moeen drives Permaul to deep cover for three more.
"Once again the West Indies are letting a very good position slip. It happens so frequently. Permaul has leaked runs."
50 for Moeen
Eng 178-4
Moeen and Cook continue to add runs to the score with the casual ease of a shopper adding groceries to the trolley. Moeen goes to the treats aisle and helps himself to a big six with a slog-sweep off Samuels that takes him to his fifty.
Test Match Special's lunchtime interview with musician, entrepreneur and chef Levi Roots, pictured below with almost namesake Joe Root, is now available as a podcast. Well worth a listen - he's quite a character.
OtherCopyright: Other
Post update
Tino Best
West Indies fast bowler on BBC Test Match Special
"Ramdin as a captain can't afford to let Permaul bowl with this field. He has to get him bowling fuller so he can get the batsman driving. They have to be more attacking."
Eng 171-4 (Permaul 17-1-71-1)
Permaul has gone at over four an over today - he just hasn't been able to stem the flow of runs, a real black mark for a front-line spinner. He gifts Cook another boundary with a short and wide ball that is dispatched to the point fence.
Eng 164-4 (Cook 66, Moeen 44)
"Keep going, Marly," Denesh Ramdin chirps as Marlon Samuels sends down another non-event over. Look Denesh, Marlon can keep going, but the rest of us are slightly losing the will here. Kindly put a fast bowler on, would you?
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Ed Stockton: I think boxing is possibly the only sport less appropriate than cricket to hear Taylor Swift playing over the tannoy.
Eng 163-4
It's all pretty easy for England at the moment against this spin duo. Moeen and Cook milk a couple more singles off Permaul.
Eng 161-4 (Samuels 17-5-30-0)
More from Samuels, a bowler who really ought to be only occasionally called on as a novelty, but instead has been inexplicably overused, like rectangular plates in restaurants. Moeen dots a single out to deep cover.
Eng 160-4 (Cook 64, Moeen 42)
Permaul continues. He really does have an extraordinary action, a frantic blur of flailing arms and elbows, like a magician trying to escape from a straitjacket. He's not been entirely accurate today either, too many short balls, and he's lucky that Moeen only pulls his latest freebie for a single.
Eng 157-4
I must say I'm rather confused by the use of Samuels after tea, and indeed throughout today - he's now sent down twice as many overs as Shannon Gabriel, who bowled beautifully this morning. Moeen gets three with a slightly mistimed drive through the covers.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Harry Cunningham: The last thing we need is a Cook century against this second rate attack to paper over the cracks until the Aussies destroy him.
Rob Meech: Does anyone else yearn for the days of Vaughan and Trescothick getting us off to a rapid start? This is so sedate.
Eng 153-4 (Permaul 14-1-59-1)
Spin from both ends as Veerasammy Permaul takes the ball from the other end. Again, Cook takes a single into the covers and Moeen blocks out the rest of the over. Deja vu.
Eng 152-4 (Cook 61, Moeen 37)
Cook is immediately up and running with a single to deep cover. Moeen blocks out the rest of the over.
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Post update
Thank you Jamie. Alastair Cook is on strike and, head-scratchingly enough, it's going to be Marlon Samuels to open the bowling after tea...
Post update
Now we have all manner of statistics for you regarding Alastair Cook and the pursuit of three figures but we shall not burden the skipper further for now, and let's hand over to James Gheerbrant to describe the final session.
"I think England are in a fairly decent place to be on this pitch. I don't think it's a 500 pitch, I think it's a 350 pitch. The dismissal of Joe Root was very disappointing though."
Click the live audio icon at the top of the page for Test Match Special commentary
Tea
Eng 151-4 (Cook 60, Moeen 37)
Moeen is certainly my favourite modern day England player but no-one bats as beautifully as David Gower in my opinion Graeme. Cook runs Permaul down to third man for a solitary single. We've had 31 overs in the session, 80 runs have been scored and just the one wicket lost. A better session for England.
"Moeen bats like a bearded David Gower. The England management are trying to fast-forward this bowling, but his batting has always been his strong suit."
Eng 150-4 (Cook 59, Moeen 37)
Gabriel tests Moeen with a well directed short ball that is well defended, but then blots his copybook by erring down the leg-side and Moeen helps it to the boundary. A clever, well-pitched up final ball tempts Moeen to drive but there is no contact. Time for one more over before tea.
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Jim Rusling: It's great to hear Tino Best - I've known he was a great guy since my 48th birthday when West Indies had a warm up match v Sri Lanka A at Shenley. He had an aggressive reputation which was totally dispelled by an elderly gentleman who told me that he had been in the nets asking his 8- and 10-year-old grandsons to bowl to give him net practice. Later when the West Indies team were using the pitch for practice the players and management reluctantly allowed me (barefoot) to bowl one ball at Mr. B.C. Lara. What a birthday!
Eng 142-4 (Permaul 1-57 from 12)
The fifty partnership arrives from 133 balls, the first time this pair have batted together in a Test match, as Cook flicks Permaul neatly away for two more.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Mike France: Amazed at the low percentage of balls that would hit the stumps. Is it a modern thing? What is wrong with "they miss, I hit"?
Eng 140-4 (Cook 57, Moeen 29)
Lots of increasingly reddening skin amongst the large English contingent but they will be happy with this burgeoning partnership between the two contrasting left-handers. Just the single to Cook from the final ball of Gabriel's over.
"Permaul looks as if he just rushes things a little bit. He's bowling two or three poor balls an over. He just needs to slow himself down and concentrate on his release."
Eng 139-4 (Partnership 48)
The lively Permaul bustles in again but Moeen is not going to miss out on the opportunity to increase the run rate, hoisting the spinner for two boundaries over the leg-side field.
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Martin in Kent: Enjoying listening to the commentary on TMS and the insight from 'Mind them Windows' Tino! My cricket club Teston (in Kent) is due to be playing Lashings on 5 June to officially open our new pavilion! We understand Tino may be playing. The windows are double glazed so hopefully not in danger!
Eng 131-4 (Gabriel 1-12 from 6)
Gabriel sweating up in the paddock but it's another maiden and he's been economical, just the one boundary coming from his bowling so far.
Text 81111
James in Sevenoaks: Go on Cooky, let's go and convert into a big one now, so we will only be debating about one opening spot for the New Zealand/Australia summer.
Eng 131-4 (Cook 56, Moeen 21)
First Ed Sheeran and then Adele on the PA system, it's not just West Indian fast bowlers that have disappeared, where's the reggae? Another fluent cover drive from Moeen with that expansive backlift of his sends Holder to the boundary, the fourth he has conceded thus far.
"If these two can just hold themselves together and make solid runs until tea, you just sense that the tenor of the body language will balance out a bit. But if you make a mistake and go into tea five down, the dynamic changes."
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Eng 127-4 (Cook 56, Moeen 17)
Big Gabriel only bowled four overs before lunch but he's back. The rate had improved to 14 per hour but it will go down again now. Not the most attacking of fields as he bowls his first delivery to Moeen, there is a man on the mid-wicket boundary. There is an appeal for caught behind as the ball nips back and slips between Cook's bat and pad but nothing doing.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Beth Jakubowski: Alastair Cook, proving people wrong in his quiet unassuming way since 1984. Form is temporary, class is permanent.
"Alastair Cook has now reached 50 66 times in Test cricket, which equals the most 50+ scores by an English batsman, alongside Graham Gooch."
Eng 121-4 (Holder 2-20 from 10)
The lesser spotted Adil Rashid is in his hi-vis tabard sitting near the boundary. Did he have a beard before the tour started? he's got one now. The fact that this pitch has already started to take spin on day one will not have done much for his well-being. Patience from Moeen, leaving Holder's tempting deliveries outside the off-stump and the big West Indian is spoken to by umpire Bowden for running too close to the 'business area' in his follow through.
"Alastair Cook once again has shown that he's an extraordinarily resilient character. He's looking more and more like he's put his bad form behind him."
50 for Cook
Eng 121-4 (Cook 51, Moeen 16)
Cook clips Samuels for two to record his fifty from 139 minutes, his sixth in his last nine innings and the 41st of his distinguished career. Now for that elusive 26th Test century.
"I haven't quite made my mind up about Moeen. At times I see him bat and bowl and I think there's something there, but I'm not convinced. He's not under any pressure because we're so short of decent spinners in England. He likes to drive the ball but he's going to have to be selective about it."
Eng 119-4 (Cook 49, Moeen 16)
Moeen finds the right ball from Holder this time and plays a sumptuous cover drive which bisects the fielders and races to the boundary, the left-hander's third four.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Fraser: Ali and Stokes can't be in the same side, they're both handy 5th bowlers and inventive batters. Pick one depending on the pitch.
Chris Parker: I'm glad we won't be batting last on this track, it'll be turning at right angles come day 4 and 5.
Eng 115-4 (Samuels 0-22 from 13)
So we had 19 overs in the first hour of this session, England adding 44 for the loss of Joe Root. Mercurial Marlon continues, so the rate will stay in a healthy state. The Windies bring in a man at silly point under the helmet to add to the solitary slip, there is a little turn away from the left-handed Cook, who plays out another maiden and remains one short of his half century.
"Alastair Cook has played beautifully today. He's played a real opening batsman's role, sealing off one end. He's left the ball very well and looked solid while everything's been going on around him."
APCopyright: AP
Drinks break
Eng 115-4 (Cook 49, Moeen 12)
Holder continues to dangle to carrot outside Moeen's off-stump, and with a cover drive as good as his, one gets the feeling that the stylish left-hander is itching to have a dash at one. The loss of those four wickets are ensuring he remains patient for now. Time for drinks.
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Tom in New Jersey: My main irritation with England's selection policy is that there seems to be a really sharp divide between those in England's plans and those who aren't. For instance, if Chris Jordan has an absolute shocker against New Zealand, he may miss the first few Ashes Tests, but he'll be back by the end of the year. Whereas, you feel that Boyd Rankin could take 80 wickets this year but not get back in the side because he's "had his chance".
Not out
Outside the line of off-stump and umpire's call for the stumps, so the Windies lose one review and umpire Oxenford is delighted to signal no change to the original not out decision.
Umpire review
The Windies ask for a referral as Moeen pushes forward to Samuels and the ball hits pad first.
Post update
Tino Best
West Indies fast bowler on BBC Test Match Special
"I think Holder is bowling a little too short. I'd let him bowl a touch fuller and get a gully in. If he keeps bowling back of a length he's going to make it easy for Cook."
Eng 112-4 (Holder 2-15 from 7)
I had to make sure what that was on that hat before publishing the picture. Headgear is definitely advisable today though as the sun continues to beat down. A change of pace as the accurate, if only medium fast, Holder returns. The final ball is short and wide but Cook's cut finds the fielder and the fifty will have to wait. Holder's second maiden.
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Leigh Matthews: If Captain Cook doesn't convert this into a century I will parade through my street starkers, and put the video on Twitter.
We've got that in writing, Leigh...
Eng 112-4 (Samuels 0-20 from 11)
Where did that spin come from Marlon? It was like a Shane Warne googly. It looked to have taken a piece out of the pitch too as it fizzed up and past the outside edge of Moeen's bat.
Scorecard update
England 111-4 (40 overs) after winning the toss
Batsmen: Cook 47 from 124 balls, Moeen 10 from30
Fall of wickets: 0-1 (Trott 0), 38-2 (Ballance 18), 38-3 (Bell 0), 91-4 (Root 33)
Bowling figures: Taylor 10-5-24-0, Gabriel 4-1-6-1, Holder 6-1-15-2, Samuels 10-4-19-0, Permaul 10-1-47-1
Click the live audio icon at the top of the page for Test Match Special commentary
Eng 111-4 (Permaul 1-47 from 10)
The end of the 40th over and we are almost back on schedule thanks to these two slow bowlers. Just the single to Cook who moves within three of his half century.
Eng 110-4 (run-rate 3.30)
Another maiden from Samuels, as much for the batsmen not wanting to get out as anything else. That bowling action is far from classical shall we say.
Eng 110-4 (Cook 46, Moeen 10)
The England captain is still going for his shots, however, one top edged sweep off Permaul lands safely for two, but another is out of the middle of the bat and brings him a seventh boundary.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Ralph Brooker: Recovering from an operation (liver out) and am on a drab diet for two months. Have been ordered to stop smoking (three weeks now). Loving the cricket as always but the inevitable foody references (liquorice allsorts) get me salivating. I'm dreading buffet bowling and, above all, the throwing of pies when the left-armer comes on. Could we come up with a metaphor with less calories and protein in it, please!
Eng 103-4 (Samuels 0-19 from 9)
Samuels is rattling through them, and Cook, who has gone 35 innings without a Test century, calmly plays out a maiden.
Eng 103-4 (Cook 40, Moeen 9)
The England 100 comes up in the 36th over as Moeen clubs Permaul into the leg-side for a boundary, the seventh conceded by the slow left-armer.
"Samuels is an underrated bowler. He's done a good job for the West Indies in several Test matches, and he's doing a good job here now."
Eng 98-4 (Cook 39, Moeen 5)
Samuels is performing a useful role here, he is quickening up the over rate. He has taken 38 Test wickets in his 58 matches with a best of 4-13 but surely here there would have to be some alarming errors of judgement for him to improve on those figures?
Rashid and Wood released
England selectors have announced that Yorkshire's Adil Rashid and Durham's Mark Wood will complete England's 13-man squad for the one-day international against Ireland next Friday in Dublin.
Leg-spinner Rashid and fast bowler Wood will return home early from the West Indies to join up with the rest of the England ODI squad.
AFPCopyright: AFP
England ODI squad: James Taylor (capt) (Notts), Zafar Ansari (Surrey), Jonathan Bairstow (WK) (Yorkshire), Sam Billings (Kent), Tim Bresnan (Yorkshire), Steven Finn (Middlesex). Lewis Gregory (Somerset), Alex Hales (Notts), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Jason Roy (Surrey), James Vince (Hampshire), David Willey (Northants), Mark Wood (Durham)
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Ben: Even for the form he was in Root was due a soft dismissal. The others need to step up now.
Beth: Such a stupid dismissal. Didn't try to hit it and just dangled the bat. Not what you would expect from a man in form.
Eng 98-4 (Permaul 1-34 from 7)
Permaul sends down another full bunger to release the pressure, although it was delightfully struck through the covers for four by Moeen.
Eng 91-4 (Cook 38, Moeen 0)
Not the most confident of starts for Moeen Ali either, trapped on the pad by Permaul, but when Samuels returns to the attack with his innocuous looking non turning off breaks from round the wicket, both left-handers are determined to get fully forward and not make any mistakes.
"It's a real throwaway. It was short and wide from the spinner, Joe Root has just really lazily dangled the bat, he's not even tried to hit it, he's just tried to run it down. For man in such form, that's lazy."
ReutersCopyright: Reuters
WICKET
Root c Ramdin b Permaul 33 (Eng 91-4)
Oh Joe. That was very un-Root like, it was an airy waft off the back foot to a short one that turned and it feathered an edge to a jubilant, and astonished, wicketkeeper-captain behind the timbers. No world record-equalling seventh score of fifty plus for the young Yorkshireman.
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Eng 91-3 (Taylor 0-24 from 10)
Is Cook's luck beginning to change? He is due. His cut shot brings him four but it is off the inside edge narrowly past the stumps and the fifty partnership arrives from 83 balls.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Jamie Morgan: Does anyone else think Trott went out to the WI to help Cook believe he wasn't the worst player in the team? It's worked wonders.
James Gutteridge: Some beautiful leaves in this innings so far. Total cricket.
Eng 87-3 (Cook 33, Root 33)
Some liquorice allsorts from Permaul, some sharp spin wide of off-stump but two full tosses that are both confidently swept to the boundary by Root, closing in on this world record of successive scores in excess of 50.
Eng 77-3 (Cook 32, Root 24)
The Prince of Wales in Fleet are in attendance, or some of their patrons anyway, according to one St George's flag. Taylor is up around 90mph again but no problems for Cook, who is content to play out a maiden, the eighth of the innings.
"Alex Hales has 639 runs so far this season - the second most runs ever before the end of April."
Getty ImagesCopyright: Getty Images
Eng 77-3 (Permaul 0-18 from 4)
Lots of movement in Permaul's action, nothing like Paul Adams, but all manner of twisting, wriggling parts. Not much spin yet though and all fairly comfortable for the two well set batsmen.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Luke Howles: If England decide to drop Trott, it would be a complete injustice to not select Adam Lyth.
Eng 75-3 (Cook 31, Root 23)
Just the single from that Permaul over but with two slips and a gully in for Taylor, the purposeful Root clips the paceman for two off his pads, and is then alert to deflect one away when a defensive shot threatens to spin back towards the stumps.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Olly Rex: Hales' upturn in form in First Class cricket has coincided with a move to number three. Maybe a Test match player, but no opener.
"I think what we are going to see from Permaul is a few rubbish ones but he has got a good ball in him, he puts a lot of revs on it."
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Callum Johnstone: Re Pat (16:53) I have tickets to Lord's fourth day against NZ and I'm already planning what to do in the afternoon! It won't be in NW8!
Live Reporting
Jamie Lillywhite and James Gheerbrant
All times stated are UK
Get involved
Goodbye
So a mixed day for England, who will be delighted to have seen their captain get a long-awaited century but not quite so thrilled with the overall complexion of the day, which definitely belonged to West Indies. Plenty of work to do tomorrow when they resume at 240-7. Join us for live text of the second day at 14:25 BST. Until then, adios.
Day one summary
Lunch: England 71-3 (25 overs) - Cook 31, Root 19
Tea: England 151-4 (56 overs) - Cook 60, Moeen 37
Close: England 240-7 (89.2 overs) - Buttler 0
Match scorecard
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"West Indies bowled better, but England played some poor shots. Bell's shot was a shocker, Root got himself without overconfidence. I think England could have done better, and the game is definitely moving on, If England can get 280 or 290, that's something to bowl at."
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Michael Blighe: The Cook doubters need to appreciate this ton for what it is. Mental grittiness and a much needed morale boost! Nice one Chef!
Sam: Not sure I've ever celebrated a century as emphatically as that, and what a time for a captain's innings.
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"Trott had a great Test record before his illness but since his comeback he's on the move before the bowler lets the ball go. If you do that to pace bowlers and it's short of a length you are in serious difficulties. You don't have time to react and you are in no-man's land.
"All the bowlers have seen that, especially the Australian fast bowlers, and they will be licking their chops."
Post update
England all-rounder Moeen Ali on Sky Sports: "Once I played 30-40 balls I felt quite comfortable, it was just a shame I got run out again. Cooky hit it but I didn't think there was a run, but I trusted the call. It's great for him to get a hundred, it was a shame he got out at the end. We probably lost two too many wickets but we've still got batsmen and hopefully we can get to 350.
"I'm looking forward to bowling on there tomorrow, or hopefully the day after!"
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"Cook made two mistakes only. He ran Moeen Ali out, he hit it hard straight to the fielder and I don't think Usain Bolt would have made it. I thought Moeen himself batted very well - he did it when England were under pressure and they've got England to a reasonable total."
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Former England spinner Shaun Udal: Very pleased for Captain Cook on his 100. Apart from anything else you'll never meet a nicer man, EVER.
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"Cook has played splendidly, he's been good for the team to bat all day when wickets have been going throughout day.
"I watched his feet, he was going back and forward and above all he played straight. He fully deserved his hundred. In Tests, he's not been in that bad form, we've got confused because he was struggling in one-day cricket. With concentration, patience and footwork like that he will always make runs in Test cricket."
Day one scorecard
England 240-7 (89.2 overs) after winning the toss
Not out batsman: Buttler 0 from 9 balls
Fall of wickets: 0-1 (Trott 0), 38-2 (Ballance 18), 38-3 (Bell 0), 91-4 (Root 33), 189-5 (Moeen 58), 233-6 (Stokes 22) 240-7 (Cook 105)
Bowling figures: Taylor 15-7-33-0, Gabriel 12-2-36-2, Holder 16-4-34-2, Samuels 26.2-5-51-1, Permaul 20-1-86-1
Match scorecard
Click the live audio icon at the top of the page for Test Match Special commentary
WICKET
Cook c Ramdin b Samuels 105 (Eng 240-7)
Alastair Cook can't believe what he's done. He's slumped on his bat handle, he doesn't want to go, but he has to. With five balls to survive before the close, he tries to cut Marlon Samuels and gets an under-edge to Denesh Ramdin. That's the end of the day, and make no mistake, it's West Indies' day. England in a pickle.
Post update
Tino Best
West Indies fast bowler on BBC Test Match Special
"This is why I love Test cricket because it separates the sheep from the goats."
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Andy Donley: That has to be my favourite sporting moment of 2015 so far. Hopefully the start of another special year for Cook.
Ollie Kemp: I've seen many hundreds in my time but enjoyed none as much as that. Well done Cooky, and welcome back!
Eng 238-6 (Cook 103, Buttler 0)
Now, the emotion of that Cook hundred shouldn't disguise the fact that this has been a mixed day for England, especially with that wicket of Ben Stokes. They'll be desperate to get through to the close without further losses. Holder keeps Buttler on 0 with a maiden.
Post update
Tino Best
West Indies fast bowler on BBC Test Match Special
"It was one of the better hundreds I've seen. That is how you score hundreds in Test cricket, by playing straight in the v to start."
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Becky Davies: Think all England cricket fans just simultaneously cheered and breathed a sigh of relief!
Pete Hotchkiss: I SO hope that's the start of Cook finding some serious runs again now.
Eng 238-6
A great knock from Cook, who has stood tall while others around him have crumbled today - and really it was no more than he deserved after a rich vein of recent form in which he has appeared to rediscover his famed powers of concentration.
How's stat?
Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician
"It's Cook's fifth Test century v West Indies and second at this ground following a century here in 2009.
"Coming from 259 balls, it also equals his slowest Test century - the century he made against Pakistan."
Post update
Ed Smith
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"Think of the journey Cook has been on and he's answered it with a wonderful performance for England."
100 for Cook
Eng 238-6
It's there! Alastair Cook lets out a scream of jubilation as he finally ends his two-year long century drought. Not since May 2013 have we seen him raise his bat for three figures but he's done it again, century number 26 for England. He gets a ball on his legs from Gabriel, clips it through midwicket and suddenly all the frustrations of the past two years melt away.
Post update
Tino Best
West Indies fast bowler on BBC Test Match Special
"Cook has batted so well today. I've been impressed by his technique. He's defended a lot and has looked solid. Like a wall."
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Firas: The moment you see the 6th wicket go and you're begging it's not Ali Cook.
Eng 234-6
Jos Buttler comes to the crease with his skipper two away from a restorative hundred. He's like your perennially unlucky-in-love sister, Alastair Cook - sure we roll our eyes and have the occasional chuckle at his trials and tribulations, but deep down we all want to see him find happiness again, don't we? He's just one run away now after a clip to square leg.
WICKET
Stokes c Hope b Gabriel (Eng 233-6)
Somebody protect the Kensington Oval lockers. Ben Stokes has perished to a silly dismissal, back-cutting Shannon Gabriel straight into the hands of Shai Hope at gully.
Post update
Tino Best
West Indies fast bowler on BBC Test Match Special
"The trouble with Jason Holder is he is not really quick. You need at least two bowlers who bowl quick, that is what wins you Test matches."
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Nick Hall: Oh Alastair! I'm hiding from the scores more often. What an effort under that pressure. I can see a high scoring summer.
Dan Wright: Dear cricketing world, the moment you feared is here. Ali Cook closing in on a century. Oh, be afraid... Come on England!
Eng 232-5 (Cook 97, Stokes 22)
I know Alastair Cook divides opinion but surely you can't begrudge the skipper a ton here after the past two years. He gets a little closer to his ton with a single to mid-off.
Post update
Tino Best
West Indies fast bowler on BBC Test Match Special
"Cook has got his feet moving well and he has played with authority. I would be happy for him if he scores a hundred."
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Eleanor Cunningham: Tense music from the Bourne Ultimatum on TV gathering pace as Cook nears his century...coincidence?
Eng 231-5
Shannon Gabriel, all piston things and flared nostrils, pounds in at Alastair Cook. The England captain hoicks him rather untidily over midwicket but he gets enough of it to pick up four and move in to the 90s. And then he collects a couple more with a pull to long leg, and adds a single to mid-off. 96 now for the skipper - bunting on standby please...
Scorecard update
England 223-5 (83 overs) after winning the toss
Batsmen: Cook 89 from 240 balls (10x4), Stokes 22 from 42 (3x4)
Fall of wickets: 0-1 (Trott 0), 38-2 (Ballance 18), 38-3 (Bell 0), 91-4 (Root 33), 189-5 (Moeen 58)
Bowling figures: Taylor 15-7-33-0, Gabriel 9-2-23-1, Holder 13-3-32-2, Samuels 26-5-49-0, Permaul 20-1-86-1
Match scorecard
Click the live audio icon at the top of the page for Test Match Special commentary
Post update
Tino Best
West Indies fast bowler on BBC Test Match Special
"A pretty even day at the Kensington Oval. I think if the West Indies get another one they will be up but an easy paced pitch I must say."
Eng 223-5 (partnership 34)
Stokes climbs into Jason Holder and belts him over midwicket for four. The fair-skinned all-rounder looks like he could do with a liberal application of aftersun after the close of play, but in terms of temperament he's anything but frazzled out there.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Peter Collins: Cook could carry his bat for a team score of 400 and still not get his century... but at least he's getting confidence!
Eng 219-5
Shannon Gabriel, who has been remarkably under-utilised today since he claimed the wicket of Jonathan Trott this morning, finally returns to the attack to share the new ball. Cook continues his sedate march towards three figures by helping him round the corner for a single.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Richard Johnson: Is this the equivalent of safety play in snooker?
New ball
Eng 217-5 (Holder 12-3-28-2)
The West Indies elect to take the new ball immediately. This morning's destroyer-in-chief Jason Holder gets the cherry. Stokes cleverly glides him down to third man for four.
Eng 213-5 (Cook 88, Stokes 13)
Cook and Stokes milk a single each off Permaul, and the new ball is available.
Eng 211-5
Samuels, who has outbowled Permaul today without ever really looking like taking a wicket, scoots through another over for the loss of two singles.
Cook's last Test century
Alastair Cook's last Test century came in the second innings of England's 247-run win against New Zealand at Lord's in May 2013.
He put on 72 for the first wicket with Nick Compton, who contributed just seven from 85 balls in what was his last Test match.
The skipper then put on 130 with Jonathan Trott, batting at three, before falling to Kane Williamson for 130.
Incidentally, a certain Graeme Swann took figures of 10-132 to be named man of the match.
Eng 209-5 (Permaul 19-1-84-1)
Veerasammy Permaul is back. Does his return mean West Indies are thinking of taking the new ball in three overs? Looking at Jason Holder getting loose, you might well think so. Permaul has an unfortunate habit of throwing in a four-ball every over and there's another one, sitting up short and begging to be swept to the square leg boundary. Captain Cook duly obliges.
Post update
Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"In a Test match you should be naturally more cautious than in one-day games because there is not the need for runs. If there was a slight risk why would you run on the first day of a Test match?"
Eng 202-5 (Cook 82, Stokes 8)
I can't remember the last time I looked up and Marlon Samuels wasn't bowling. He's performing a holding role for Denesh Ramdin and you'd have to say from that point of view he's done a decent job. Cook moves into the 80s with a whip through midwicket.
Drinks break
Eng 198-5
The DJ at the Kensington Oval is indeed making a superb racket. He's got red headphones and gold decks. Outstanding. Back out in the middle, Ben Stokes gets lucky when he props forward tentatively at a length ball from Jerome Taylor and is lucky to see it fly between second and third slip on the bounce. I thought we'd had drinks earlier but I must have been mistaken because we're having them now.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
England batting coach Mark Ramprakash: Had to laugh as Ben Stokes asked for his guard but the umpire couldn't hear as the music is seriously loud!!
Eng 192-5 (Samuels 24-5-43-0)
Stokes punches Samuels out to deep cover for a single. No sign of their hostilities bubbling over...yet.
Post update
Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"There was never a run for Moeen's dismissal. Even if it's the captain calling you for a run you just say no and send him back."
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Darth Ashes: Chef barbecues Moeen!
Sunday Times cricket correspondent Simon Wilde: Moeen deserves a posthumous VC for carrying on with that single.
Eng 191-5 (Cook 77, Stokes 2)
The arrival of Ben Stokes has woken the West Indies fielders up - there's more chirp than an aviary of galahs out there at the moment. Stokes keeps the strike with a single off the last ball of Taylor's over.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Rachel T: Whoopsie. Well, I think that's what Cook just said.
Blonde Bear: Selfish run-out caused by Cook. Likely to cloud his mind and stop the elusive century?
How's stat?
Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician
"Moeen Ali is the 10th England player to be run out in consecutive innings... the first since Monty Panesar in 2008."
Eng 190-5
Ben Stokes is the new man, on a ground where he once broke his hand punching a locker in frustration. He's off the mark against his old adversary Marlon Samuels with a back-foot punch to cover.
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"England have to carry on the same way. It may not be to some people's liking, not scoring quickly, but I think it has been fascinating cricket."
Eng 189-5
We took drinks immediately after that wicket, where replays showed Alastair Cook putting his palm to his face and chuntering away to himself in frustration. A horrible feeling, that. But can he put it out of his mind and go on to get his long-awaited century? He's lucky not to get an edge behind when Taylor beats him all ends up with an absolute doozy that just moves away off the seam.
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"Backward point is back about five or six yards deeper than normal. Cook hit it straight to the fielder's right hand and I think Moeen had given up."
WICKET
Moeen run out 58 (Eng 189-5)
Oh skipper, what have you done? Alastair Cook has thrown Moeen Ali to the wolves here. The captain taps Marlon Samuels straight to point and inexplicably calls Moeen through for the run. It's a doomed effort for Moeen, he's never getting there, like a man sprinting down the railway station steps as the last train pulls out. On the balcony, Peter Moores runs his hand over his head in frustration.
Scorecard update
England 188-4 (70 overs) after winning the toss
Batsmen: Cook 77 from 205 balls (9x4), Moeen 57 from 129 (8x4, 1x6)
Fall of wickets: 0-1 (Trott 0), 38-2 (Ballance 18), 38-3 (Bell 0), 91-4 (Root 33)
Bowling figures: Taylor 12-6-26-0, Gabriel 8-2-21-1, Holder 11-3-24-2, Samuels 21-5-40-0, Permaul 18-1-77-1
Match scorecard
Click the live audio icon at the top of the page for Test Match Special commentary
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"I don't think I have seen Alastair Cook play as well for a while. His footwork and playing straight towards mid-off, rather than cover and square cover, has been exemplary."
Eng 188-4 (Taylor 12-6-26-0)
Cook inches determinedly towards his longed-for hundred with a two to extra cover.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Jimbo: Permaul's action is like a man trying and failing to get out of a jumper that doesn't fit him.
Eng 186-4 (Cook 75, Moeen 57)
It hardly helps ease the sense of enervation that Marlon Samuels is perhaps the world's most languid bowler - a man so relaxed that you half expect him to break off in his delivery stride to stifle a yawn, or light a big cigar. He manages to resist that urge for now as he sends down an over that yields one more single for Alastair Cook.
Eng 185-4 (partnership 94)
Finally, we're going to have a bit of pace. Jerome Taylor is the man who has been summoned to deliver it. He bowled too wide earlier today but he starts off a little straighter in this spell. Moeen plays out a watchful maiden.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Nick Hall: Scared to look and listen. Switch off for one hour then see how the Captain is going. A phenomenal century if he can convert.
Eng 185-4 (Samuels 20-5-39-0)
Not much happening for West Indies here, just going through the motions. Moeen takes a single off Samuels.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Si Lomas: These last couple of hours captaincy from Ramdin has been shocking, completely let game drift and handed initiative to England.
Eng 184-4 (Cook 74, Moeen 56)
England are taking control here. Moeen drives Permaul to deep cover for three more.
Post update
Tony Cozier
BBC Test Match Special
"Once again the West Indies are letting a very good position slip. It happens so frequently. Permaul has leaked runs."
50 for Moeen
Eng 178-4
Moeen and Cook continue to add runs to the score with the casual ease of a shopper adding groceries to the trolley. Moeen goes to the treats aisle and helps himself to a big six with a slog-sweep off Samuels that takes him to his fifty.
Post update
BBC Radio Test Match Special
Test Match Special's lunchtime interview with musician, entrepreneur and chef Levi Roots, pictured below with almost namesake Joe Root, is now available as a podcast. Well worth a listen - he's quite a character.
Post update
Tino Best
West Indies fast bowler on BBC Test Match Special
"Ramdin as a captain can't afford to let Permaul bowl with this field. He has to get him bowling fuller so he can get the batsman driving. They have to be more attacking."
Eng 171-4 (Permaul 17-1-71-1)
Permaul has gone at over four an over today - he just hasn't been able to stem the flow of runs, a real black mark for a front-line spinner. He gifts Cook another boundary with a short and wide ball that is dispatched to the point fence.
Eng 164-4 (Cook 66, Moeen 44)
"Keep going, Marly," Denesh Ramdin chirps as Marlon Samuels sends down another non-event over. Look Denesh, Marlon can keep going, but the rest of us are slightly losing the will here. Kindly put a fast bowler on, would you?
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Ed Stockton: I think boxing is possibly the only sport less appropriate than cricket to hear Taylor Swift playing over the tannoy.
Eng 163-4
It's all pretty easy for England at the moment against this spin duo. Moeen and Cook milk a couple more singles off Permaul.
Eng 161-4 (Samuels 17-5-30-0)
More from Samuels, a bowler who really ought to be only occasionally called on as a novelty, but instead has been inexplicably overused, like rectangular plates in restaurants. Moeen dots a single out to deep cover.
Eng 160-4 (Cook 64, Moeen 42)
Permaul continues. He really does have an extraordinary action, a frantic blur of flailing arms and elbows, like a magician trying to escape from a straitjacket. He's not been entirely accurate today either, too many short balls, and he's lucky that Moeen only pulls his latest freebie for a single.
Eng 157-4
I must say I'm rather confused by the use of Samuels after tea, and indeed throughout today - he's now sent down twice as many overs as Shannon Gabriel, who bowled beautifully this morning. Moeen gets three with a slightly mistimed drive through the covers.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Harry Cunningham: The last thing we need is a Cook century against this second rate attack to paper over the cracks until the Aussies destroy him.
Rob Meech: Does anyone else yearn for the days of Vaughan and Trescothick getting us off to a rapid start? This is so sedate.
Eng 153-4 (Permaul 14-1-59-1)
Spin from both ends as Veerasammy Permaul takes the ball from the other end. Again, Cook takes a single into the covers and Moeen blocks out the rest of the over. Deja vu.
Eng 152-4 (Cook 61, Moeen 37)
Cook is immediately up and running with a single to deep cover. Moeen blocks out the rest of the over.
Post update
Thank you Jamie. Alastair Cook is on strike and, head-scratchingly enough, it's going to be Marlon Samuels to open the bowling after tea...
Post update
Now we have all manner of statistics for you regarding Alastair Cook and the pursuit of three figures but we shall not burden the skipper further for now, and let's hand over to James Gheerbrant to describe the final session.
Post update
Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"I think England are in a fairly decent place to be on this pitch. I don't think it's a 500 pitch, I think it's a 350 pitch. The dismissal of Joe Root was very disappointing though."
Post update
Jonathan Agnew
BBC Test Match Special
"I like the way Moeen has played. He's come out and played really refreshingly."
Tea scorecard
England 151-4 (56 overs) after winning the toss
Batsmen: Cook 60 from 170 balls, Moeen 37 from 80
Fall of wickets: 0-1 (Trott 0), 38-2 (Ballance 18), 38-3 (Bell 0), 91-4 (Root 33)
Bowling figures: Taylor 10-5-24-0, Gabriel 8-2-21-1, Holder 11-3-24-2, Samuels 14-5-24-0, Permaul 13-1-58-1
Match scorecard
Click the live audio icon at the top of the page for Test Match Special commentary
Tea
Eng 151-4 (Cook 60, Moeen 37)
Moeen is certainly my favourite modern day England player but no-one bats as beautifully as David Gower in my opinion Graeme. Cook runs Permaul down to third man for a solitary single. We've had 31 overs in the session, 80 runs have been scored and just the one wicket lost. A better session for England.
Post update
Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"Moeen bats like a bearded David Gower. The England management are trying to fast-forward this bowling, but his batting has always been his strong suit."
Eng 150-4 (Cook 59, Moeen 37)
Gabriel tests Moeen with a well directed short ball that is well defended, but then blots his copybook by erring down the leg-side and Moeen helps it to the boundary. A clever, well-pitched up final ball tempts Moeen to drive but there is no contact. Time for one more over before tea.
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Jim Rusling: It's great to hear Tino Best - I've known he was a great guy since my 48th birthday when West Indies had a warm up match v Sri Lanka A at Shenley. He had an aggressive reputation which was totally dispelled by an elderly gentleman who told me that he had been in the nets asking his 8- and 10-year-old grandsons to bowl to give him net practice. Later when the West Indies team were using the pitch for practice the players and management reluctantly allowed me (barefoot) to bowl one ball at Mr. B.C. Lara. What a birthday!
Eng 142-4 (Permaul 1-57 from 12)
The fifty partnership arrives from 133 balls, the first time this pair have batted together in a Test match, as Cook flicks Permaul neatly away for two more.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Mike France: Amazed at the low percentage of balls that would hit the stumps. Is it a modern thing? What is wrong with "they miss, I hit"?
Eng 140-4 (Cook 57, Moeen 29)
Lots of increasingly reddening skin amongst the large English contingent but they will be happy with this burgeoning partnership between the two contrasting left-handers. Just the single to Cook from the final ball of Gabriel's over.
Post update
Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"Permaul looks as if he just rushes things a little bit. He's bowling two or three poor balls an over. He just needs to slow himself down and concentrate on his release."
Eng 139-4 (Partnership 48)
The lively Permaul bustles in again but Moeen is not going to miss out on the opportunity to increase the run rate, hoisting the spinner for two boundaries over the leg-side field.
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Martin in Kent: Enjoying listening to the commentary on TMS and the insight from 'Mind them Windows' Tino! My cricket club Teston (in Kent) is due to be playing Lashings on 5 June to officially open our new pavilion! We understand Tino may be playing. The windows are double glazed so hopefully not in danger!
Eng 131-4 (Gabriel 1-12 from 6)
Gabriel sweating up in the paddock but it's another maiden and he's been economical, just the one boundary coming from his bowling so far.
Text 81111
James in Sevenoaks: Go on Cooky, let's go and convert into a big one now, so we will only be debating about one opening spot for the New Zealand/Australia summer.
Eng 131-4 (Cook 56, Moeen 21)
First Ed Sheeran and then Adele on the PA system, it's not just West Indian fast bowlers that have disappeared, where's the reggae? Another fluent cover drive from Moeen with that expansive backlift of his sends Holder to the boundary, the fourth he has conceded thus far.
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"If these two can just hold themselves together and make solid runs until tea, you just sense that the tenor of the body language will balance out a bit. But if you make a mistake and go into tea five down, the dynamic changes."
Eng 127-4 (Cook 56, Moeen 17)
Big Gabriel only bowled four overs before lunch but he's back. The rate had improved to 14 per hour but it will go down again now. Not the most attacking of fields as he bowls his first delivery to Moeen, there is a man on the mid-wicket boundary. There is an appeal for caught behind as the ball nips back and slips between Cook's bat and pad but nothing doing.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Beth Jakubowski: Alastair Cook, proving people wrong in his quiet unassuming way since 1984. Form is temporary, class is permanent.
Post update
Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician
"Alastair Cook has now reached 50 66 times in Test cricket, which equals the most 50+ scores by an English batsman, alongside Graham Gooch."
Eng 121-4 (Holder 2-20 from 10)
The lesser spotted Adil Rashid is in his hi-vis tabard sitting near the boundary. Did he have a beard before the tour started? he's got one now. The fact that this pitch has already started to take spin on day one will not have done much for his well-being. Patience from Moeen, leaving Holder's tempting deliveries outside the off-stump and the big West Indian is spoken to by umpire Bowden for running too close to the 'business area' in his follow through.
Post update
Ed Smith
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"Alastair Cook once again has shown that he's an extraordinarily resilient character. He's looking more and more like he's put his bad form behind him."
50 for Cook
Eng 121-4 (Cook 51, Moeen 16)
Cook clips Samuels for two to record his fifty from 139 minutes, his sixth in his last nine innings and the 41st of his distinguished career. Now for that elusive 26th Test century.
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"I haven't quite made my mind up about Moeen. At times I see him bat and bowl and I think there's something there, but I'm not convinced. He's not under any pressure because we're so short of decent spinners in England. He likes to drive the ball but he's going to have to be selective about it."
Eng 119-4 (Cook 49, Moeen 16)
Moeen finds the right ball from Holder this time and plays a sumptuous cover drive which bisects the fielders and races to the boundary, the left-hander's third four.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Fraser: Ali and Stokes can't be in the same side, they're both handy 5th bowlers and inventive batters. Pick one depending on the pitch.
Chris Parker: I'm glad we won't be batting last on this track, it'll be turning at right angles come day 4 and 5.
Eng 115-4 (Samuels 0-22 from 13)
So we had 19 overs in the first hour of this session, England adding 44 for the loss of Joe Root. Mercurial Marlon continues, so the rate will stay in a healthy state. The Windies bring in a man at silly point under the helmet to add to the solitary slip, there is a little turn away from the left-handed Cook, who plays out another maiden and remains one short of his half century.
Post update
Geoffrey Boycott
Ex-England batsman on BBC Test Match Special
"Alastair Cook has played beautifully today. He's played a real opening batsman's role, sealing off one end. He's left the ball very well and looked solid while everything's been going on around him."
Drinks break
Eng 115-4 (Cook 49, Moeen 12)
Holder continues to dangle to carrot outside Moeen's off-stump, and with a cover drive as good as his, one gets the feeling that the stylish left-hander is itching to have a dash at one. The loss of those four wickets are ensuring he remains patient for now. Time for drinks.
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Tom in New Jersey: My main irritation with England's selection policy is that there seems to be a really sharp divide between those in England's plans and those who aren't. For instance, if Chris Jordan has an absolute shocker against New Zealand, he may miss the first few Ashes Tests, but he'll be back by the end of the year. Whereas, you feel that Boyd Rankin could take 80 wickets this year but not get back in the side because he's "had his chance".
Not out
Outside the line of off-stump and umpire's call for the stumps, so the Windies lose one review and umpire Oxenford is delighted to signal no change to the original not out decision.
Umpire review
The Windies ask for a referral as Moeen pushes forward to Samuels and the ball hits pad first.
Post update
Tino Best
West Indies fast bowler on BBC Test Match Special
"I think Holder is bowling a little too short. I'd let him bowl a touch fuller and get a gully in. If he keeps bowling back of a length he's going to make it easy for Cook."
Eng 112-4 (Holder 2-15 from 7)
I had to make sure what that was on that hat before publishing the picture. Headgear is definitely advisable today though as the sun continues to beat down. A change of pace as the accurate, if only medium fast, Holder returns. The final ball is short and wide but Cook's cut finds the fielder and the fifty will have to wait. Holder's second maiden.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Leigh Matthews: If Captain Cook doesn't convert this into a century I will parade through my street starkers, and put the video on Twitter.
We've got that in writing, Leigh...
Eng 112-4 (Samuels 0-20 from 11)
Where did that spin come from Marlon? It was like a Shane Warne googly. It looked to have taken a piece out of the pitch too as it fizzed up and past the outside edge of Moeen's bat.
Scorecard update
England 111-4 (40 overs) after winning the toss
Batsmen: Cook 47 from 124 balls, Moeen 10 from30
Fall of wickets: 0-1 (Trott 0), 38-2 (Ballance 18), 38-3 (Bell 0), 91-4 (Root 33)
Bowling figures: Taylor 10-5-24-0, Gabriel 4-1-6-1, Holder 6-1-15-2, Samuels 10-4-19-0, Permaul 10-1-47-1
Match scorecard
Click the live audio icon at the top of the page for Test Match Special commentary
Eng 111-4 (Permaul 1-47 from 10)
The end of the 40th over and we are almost back on schedule thanks to these two slow bowlers. Just the single to Cook who moves within three of his half century.
Eng 110-4 (run-rate 3.30)
Another maiden from Samuels, as much for the batsmen not wanting to get out as anything else. That bowling action is far from classical shall we say.
Eng 110-4 (Cook 46, Moeen 10)
The England captain is still going for his shots, however, one top edged sweep off Permaul lands safely for two, but another is out of the middle of the bat and brings him a seventh boundary.
Email tms@bbc.co.uk
Ralph Brooker: Recovering from an operation (liver out) and am on a drab diet for two months. Have been ordered to stop smoking (three weeks now). Loving the cricket as always but the inevitable foody references (liquorice allsorts) get me salivating. I'm dreading buffet bowling and, above all, the throwing of pies when the left-armer comes on. Could we come up with a metaphor with less calories and protein in it, please!
Eng 103-4 (Samuels 0-19 from 9)
Samuels is rattling through them, and Cook, who has gone 35 innings without a Test century, calmly plays out a maiden.
Eng 103-4 (Cook 40, Moeen 9)
The England 100 comes up in the 36th over as Moeen clubs Permaul into the leg-side for a boundary, the seventh conceded by the slow left-armer.
Post update
Tony Cozier
BBC Test Match Special
"Samuels is an underrated bowler. He's done a good job for the West Indies in several Test matches, and he's doing a good job here now."
Eng 98-4 (Cook 39, Moeen 5)
Samuels is performing a useful role here, he is quickening up the over rate. He has taken 38 Test wickets in his 58 matches with a best of 4-13 but surely here there would have to be some alarming errors of judgement for him to improve on those figures?
Rashid and Wood released
England selectors have announced that Yorkshire's Adil Rashid and Durham's Mark Wood will complete England's 13-man squad for the one-day international against Ireland next Friday in Dublin.
Leg-spinner Rashid and fast bowler Wood will return home early from the West Indies to join up with the rest of the England ODI squad.
England ODI squad: James Taylor (capt) (Notts), Zafar Ansari (Surrey), Jonathan Bairstow (WK) (Yorkshire), Sam Billings (Kent), Tim Bresnan (Yorkshire), Steven Finn (Middlesex). Lewis Gregory (Somerset), Alex Hales (Notts), Adil Rashid (Yorkshire), Jason Roy (Surrey), James Vince (Hampshire), David Willey (Northants), Mark Wood (Durham)
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Ben: Even for the form he was in Root was due a soft dismissal. The others need to step up now.
Beth: Such a stupid dismissal. Didn't try to hit it and just dangled the bat. Not what you would expect from a man in form.
Eng 98-4 (Permaul 1-34 from 7)
Permaul sends down another full bunger to release the pressure, although it was delightfully struck through the covers for four by Moeen.
Eng 91-4 (Cook 38, Moeen 0)
Not the most confident of starts for Moeen Ali either, trapped on the pad by Permaul, but when Samuels returns to the attack with his innocuous looking non turning off breaks from round the wicket, both left-handers are determined to get fully forward and not make any mistakes.
Post update
Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"It's a real throwaway. It was short and wide from the spinner, Joe Root has just really lazily dangled the bat, he's not even tried to hit it, he's just tried to run it down. For man in such form, that's lazy."
WICKET
Root c Ramdin b Permaul 33 (Eng 91-4)
Oh Joe. That was very un-Root like, it was an airy waft off the back foot to a short one that turned and it feathered an edge to a jubilant, and astonished, wicketkeeper-captain behind the timbers. No world record-equalling seventh score of fifty plus for the young Yorkshireman.
Eng 91-3 (Taylor 0-24 from 10)
Is Cook's luck beginning to change? He is due. His cut shot brings him four but it is off the inside edge narrowly past the stumps and the fifty partnership arrives from 83 balls.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Jamie Morgan: Does anyone else think Trott went out to the WI to help Cook believe he wasn't the worst player in the team? It's worked wonders.
James Gutteridge: Some beautiful leaves in this innings so far. Total cricket.
Eng 87-3 (Cook 33, Root 33)
Some liquorice allsorts from Permaul, some sharp spin wide of off-stump but two full tosses that are both confidently swept to the boundary by Root, closing in on this world record of successive scores in excess of 50.
Eng 77-3 (Cook 32, Root 24)
The Prince of Wales in Fleet are in attendance, or some of their patrons anyway, according to one St George's flag. Taylor is up around 90mph again but no problems for Cook, who is content to play out a maiden, the eighth of the innings.
Post update
Andrew Samson
BBC Test Match Special statistician
"Alex Hales has 639 runs so far this season - the second most runs ever before the end of April."
Eng 77-3 (Permaul 0-18 from 4)
Lots of movement in Permaul's action, nothing like Paul Adams, but all manner of twisting, wriggling parts. Not much spin yet though and all fairly comfortable for the two well set batsmen.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Luke Howles: If England decide to drop Trott, it would be a complete injustice to not select Adam Lyth.
Eng 75-3 (Cook 31, Root 23)
Just the single from that Permaul over but with two slips and a gully in for Taylor, the purposeful Root clips the paceman for two off his pads, and is then alert to deflect one away when a defensive shot threatens to spin back towards the stumps.
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Olly Rex: Hales' upturn in form in First Class cricket has coincided with a move to number three. Maybe a Test match player, but no opener.
Post update
Graeme Swann
Ex-England spinner on BBC Test Match Special
"I think what we are going to see from Permaul is a few rubbish ones but he has got a good ball in him, he puts a lot of revs on it."
Join the debate at #bbccricket
Callum Johnstone: Re Pat (16:53) I have tickets to Lord's fourth day against NZ and I'm already planning what to do in the afternoon! It won't be in NW8!