Published: Apr 17, 2015, 06:40 PM (IST)
Edited: Apr 17, 2015, 06:40 PM (IST)
England worked themselves into a winning position despite strong West Indies resistance in their second innings on the fourth day of the first Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Thursday. Set an improbable 438 for victory after the tourists declared their second innings at 333 for seven in the afternoon session, the home side reached the close of play at 98 for two with opening batsman Devon Smith leading the way with an unbeaten 59. Live scorecard: England tour of West Indies 2015, 1st Test at Antigua
While the pitch has held up well over the four days, it is the English who remain favourites to complete their first-ever Test match victory in Antigua, especially with the threat posed by their slow bowlers, even the part-time ones. It was Joe Root, one of those occasional bowlers, who made an important breakthrough late in the day, drawing Darren Bravo (32) into a loose shot for Chris Jordan to take his second stunning catch of the match at slip. West Indies end Day 2 at 155/4 against England in 1st Test at Antigua
Kraigg Brathwaite was the early casualty, fending off a lifting delivery in Stuart Broad’s first over to Root. England’s rush for runs in the afternoon session resulted in a declaration at 333 for seven, Gary Ballance getting to 122, his fourth Test century. Playing in just his ninth Test match, the Zimbabwe-born left-hander got good support from Root and Ben Stokes in continuing to dominate a deflated Caribbean bowling attack in the morning, 108 runs coming in the two hours’ play for just the loss of Root’s wicket, AFP reported. England tour of West Indies 2015: Complete coverage
Teams:
England: Alastair Cook (c), Jonathan Trott, Gary Ballance, Ian Bell, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (wk), Chris Jordan, Stuart Broad, James Tredwell, James Anderson
West Indies: Devon Smith, Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Marlon Samuels, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Jermaine Blackwood, Denesh Ramdin (c&wk), Jason Holder, Jerome Taylor, Kemar Roach, Sulieman Benn
