West Indies set Sri Lanka a target of 453 after lunch on the fourth day of the first Test in Trinidad.

Batsman Kieran Powell missed out on a century by 12 runs but the hosts managed to declare their innings on 223 for seven at the Queen’s Park Oval.

The hosts had decided not to enforce the follow-on after gaining a 229-run first-innings lead.

Captain Jason Holder showed positive intent before he was dismissed before the break, out lbw for 39 while attempting a reverse sweep against left-arm spinner Rangana Herath.

However, the Windies scored just 78 runs in the first two hours of play which suggested they wanted to bat Sri Lanka out of the match and also tire out the players.

Earlier, the left-handed Powell started from his overnight score of 64 and look well set with first innings centurion Shane Dowrich. However seamer Lahiru Kumara trapped Dowrich lbw. It was the bowler’s seventh wicket of the Test.

Holder added 42 for the sixth wicket before Powell fell for 88 as he attempted a flick off spinner Dilruwan Perera towards midwicket.