England captain Andrew Strauss posted a century for the second match running to help his side make 259-2 in reply to West Indies' 370 on day two at Trent Bridge.
Following his innings of 121 at Lords seven days ago, Strauss made an unbeaten 102 - the 21st century of his Test career - while Kevin Pietersen contributed a rapid 72 not out.
England made a modest start to the day's play and cleaned up the West Indies tail end - claiming the remaining four wickets for 66 runs.
Ravi Rampaul then took the wickets of Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott for 24 and 35 respectively before Strauss and Pietersen steadied the ship for the hosts.
England trail by 111 runs going into day three.
