ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA (AFP) — Shai Hope and Justin Greaves steadied the West Indies first innings reply with an unbroken fifth-wicket partnership of 174 as the home side reached 318 for four at the close of the third day of the second and final Test against Sri Lanka at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Sunday.

Having missed the first Test victory due to a shoulder injury, Hope’s patient 86 not out and Greaves equally watchful unbeaten 85 pulled the hosts closer to the follow-on target of 350 although they remain some distance away from the visitors’ first innings total of 549 for nine declared.

They came together early in the afternoon session at a time that the West Indies, at 144 for four, were in danger of capitulation against a disciplined Sri Lankan bowling effort.