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Alastair Cook praises Jason Holder defiance

Alastair Cook gives credit to Jason Holder for earning the West Indies a draw in the first Test as he scored his maiden first-class hundred to deny England victory.

England captain Alastair Cook has praised the performance of Jason Holder as the 23-year-old scored a defiant century to earn the West Indies a draw in the first Test.

The Three Lions were in need of eight wickets on the final day in Antigua to clinch the victory after setting the hosts a target of 438.

Cook's men were only able to claim five wickets as Holder scored his maiden Test century to ensure his side avoided defeat.

"We knew it was going to be hard work and it proved to be so," Cook told Sky Sports News.

"Getting three wickets in the first session was a great effort, you are always in with a chance for the rest of the day when you do that.

"Credit to Jason for the way he played. We couldn't have done any more. The only chance we put down was off a boot, diving by Tredders [James Tredwell], one-handed. We tried everything, I can't fault the lads' effort."

James Anderson became England's all-time leading wicket taker in Test cricket when he took the 384th wicket of his career to break Sir Ian Botham's record.

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James Anderson of England claims the wicket of Denesh Ramdin of West Indies to pass Ian Botham's record of 383 Test wickets and become England's highest Test wicket bowler during day five of the 1st Test match between West Indies and England at the Sir Vi
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