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17-Apr-2015 02:30:00 GMT
West Iindies v England, 1st Test, North Sound

Ballance Century Puts England in Control

Antigua: Gary Ballance's century and a stunning Chris Jordan catch set up England's victory push in the first Test against West Indies in Antigua.

Ballance hit 122, Joe Root 59 and Jos Buttler a rapid unbeaten 59 to help the tourists declare on 333-7.

Chasing a notional 438 to win, West Indies lost Darren Bravo for 32 late on as they closed day four on 98-2.

The obdurate Devon Smith, who added 83 with Bravo for the second wicket, will resume on 59.

 James Anderson failed to take a wicket in seven overs and remains one short of equalling Sir Ian Botham's England record of 383 in Tests.

Ballance claimed England were "pretty happy" with their position as they chase a first win in 10 Tests away from home.

But Smith demonstrated enough application in conditions that continue to favour the batsmen to suggest England can expect a challenging final day.

 There was minimal lateral movement for the seamers in the 40 overs possible after they declared shortly before tea.

The first wicket owed much to extra bounce from Stuart Broad as Kraigg Brathwaite fended to short leg in the second over, and England were thankful for Jordan's reactions and athleticism to end Bravo's resistance six overs from the close.

Driving at the part-time off-spin of Joe Root, Bravo edged to slip, where Jordan dived to his right to cling on almost after the ball had passed him.

Ballance's hundred - his fourth in nine Tests and his first overseas - was central to England adding 217 in 48 overs after they resumed on 116-3.

Brief scores
England -
399 and 333 for 7 dec (Ballance 122, Root 59, Buttler 59*)
West Indies - 294 and 98 for 2 (Smith 59*)
Status - West Indies need 340 to win


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