Ramnaresh Sarwan: injured while fielding on the boundary's edge © Getty Images Enlarge

The moment came in the 78th over, as Sarwan dived in vain to intercept a straight drive from Paul Collingwood. He landed heavily on his shoulder and was immediately taken from the field, with the captaincy duties passing to his deputy, Daren Ganga. A team spokesman later confirmed that no dislocation had been suffered, but that Sarwan's right acromioclavicular joint had been damaged.

Following a scan it was announced by the West Indies team physiotherapist, Stephen Partridge, that Sarwan would not take the field for the rest of the England first innings and would not bat in the West Indies first innings. Further results from the scan would be examined to decide whether he would play any further part in the match.

"We still don't know what the scans will reveal but we are very optimistic he will be able to join us in this game," said Ganga. "We are going to remain optimistic until we hear what's happening."

Should Sarwan be unable to take any further part in the match, West Indies could face a struggle to stay afloat, seeing as they are already without the services of their most experienced batsman, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who pulled out shortly before the toss with an inflamed tendon in his right knee. The Antiguan batsman, Sylvester Joseph, was drafted into the starting line-up in his place.

But for all their misfortune, West Indies were not down and out at the close, thanks to some spirited bowling from Corey Collymore, who grabbed two key wickets in the final session, to leave England on 366 for 5 overnight. "England are definitely in front but we are still in the game," said Ganga. "Getting five wickets today still puts us in the reckoning in terms of getting them out for a total we can overhaul."