Gary Ballance scored a wonderful 122 from 250 balls as the visitors took control of the first test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
SEE MORE:
Pressure mounts on Alastair Cook as England chase first Test victory since 2012
England all-rounder Ben Stokes lashes out on Twitter following no-ball abuse
England hopeful Kevin Pietersen scores 170 against Oxford students in comeback attempt
England eventually declared on 333-7 after an unbeaten half-century from Jos Buttler, before taking the first two West Indies wickets either side of the evening break.
The hosts score of 98-2 leaves the game finely poised heading into the final day but it’s England who have the advantage. Alastair Cook’s side lead by 339 runs, with the Windies facing the prospect of having to see out more than 90 overs to ensure that they at least claim a draw.
Joe Root made 59 before falling early on the fourth day, while Ben Stokes added 35 only to fall just after the lunch break. Buttler pushed on with his run-a-ball score either side of Ballance’s departure, while Chris Jordan was the last man out on 13. Sulieman Benn was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets on the day.
England declared shortly before the tea break and still had time to remove Kraigg Brathwaite for just five before the interval. The home side responded with a partnership of 83 for the second wicket – Darren Bravo making 32 and Devon Smith making an unbeaten 59.
Joe Root gave England a much needed boost by removing Bravo shortly before the close. Marlon Samuels finished unbeaten with just a couple of runs to his name.
COMMENTS