Thanks to Cork, and a late burst from Darren Gough, England forced their way back into contention as the West Indies slumped from 162-1 to 267-9.

The Deryshire bowler's efforts were undoubtedly a breath of fresh air for the selectors after a dismal England performance in the first Test.

But, for those who remember Cork's debut against the Windies in 1995 at Lord's, his success may have been a little less surprising.

His confident performance on Thursday proved reminiscent and he even greeted Curtly Ambrose with a bouncer, though he expects a similar reply when he bats.

"I know I'm going to be getting one from Ambrose, so I might as well get in there first," Cork said.

"You have to be aggressive - controlled aggression.

"Looking back perhaps my aggression wasn't controlled. I've tried to work on that.

"I try to do a job. At times you have to get up people's noses and upset them, but it's not sledging - it's letting them know you are there, letting them know you are in a battle.

"At the end of the day they're trying to kick you out of the England team, and you're trying to kick them out of the West Indies team. It's a battle whoever it is.