Alastair Cook and Jonathan Trott combine to give England commanding lead in St Kitts

Alastair Cook is on the verge of scoring his first international century for two years as England aim to complete a comprehensive rout of a St Kitts & Nevis Invitational XI in a warm-up match ahead of the forthcoming test series against the West Indies.

Captain Cook and Jonathan Trott, the latter back in England's senior squad for the first time in 16 months after suffering from a stress-related illness, put on an opening stand of 158 with scores of 95 not out and 72 respectively.

Trott was eventually caught at short leg by Steve Liburd off the bowling of Ross Powell, but Cook survived a late catch appeal before stumps and will likely ease past the 100 mark when the visitors resume on the second and final day at 181-1.

England's dominance was made patently obvious in the morning session, when St Kitts were bowled out for a measly 59.

Joe Root claimed three wickets, while Chris Jordan and Ben Stokes both had two apiece. Stuart Broad, James Tredwell and Adil Rashid also profited with a wicket each as the hosts failed to bridge an enormous gulf in class.

While the manner of such a victory will provide a timely confidence boost, it is questionable how much under-fire coach Peter Moores will learn about his team against such lacklustre opposition.

England face the West Indies in the first of a three-match test series in Antigua on 13 April before further contests in St George's and Bridgetown.