ENGLAND'S batsmen continued to build an imposing first-innings total as they dominated the opening session of the second's day play at Headingley.

Kevin Pietersen and Matt Prior added 160 runs before the latter was dismissed shortly before lunch - leaving England in complete control on 498-6 - as a pedestrian West Indian attack managed just a solitary breakthrough despite taking the second new ball.

Pietersen will resume this afternoon on 189 not out, his highest score in Test cricket.

The flamboyant batsman brought up his 150 with an edged boundary to third man, and passed his previous highest total with a drilled half-volley through cover off the bowling of Jerome Taylor.

Wicketkeeper Prior was equally impressive, reaching his half-century off just 72 balls before Daren Powell clipped the top of his off-stump to end his hopes of claiming a second century in successive Tests.

His replacement, Durham's Liam Plunkett, is currently unbeaten on nine.