Thomas has been brought up as cover for Alzarri Joseph, who picked up a back injury during the Bridgetown game.
Despite showing the traditional left-hander's vulnerability outside the off-stump, Burns played attractively in getting to 84.
West Indies already have a formidable overall lead of 339 runs at the end of a day dominated by bowlers with 18 wickets falling.
England started the three-game series on a five-match winning streak while the West Indies have lost their last four Tests.
On day one of England’s two-day match in Barbados, Burns made 35 off 70 balls.
Darren Bravo could play his first Test for the West Indies in over two years after he was recalled for next week's series opener against England in Barbados.
India will host West Indies for two Tests, five ODIs and three Twenty20 Internationals with the first Test in Rajkot beginning on October 4.
The fast bowler has been advised more time to recover from a stress fracture he sustained last November.
Alzarri Joseph played a major role in West Indies victory in World Cup 2016.
West Indies were whitewashed in the two-Test series versus New Zealand.