North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda: 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.


English batsman Gary Ballance celebrates after scoring his century with a four off the bowling of Sulieman Benn on day four of the first cricket Test match between West Indies and England at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in St John's, Antigua. Pic/AFP 

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. 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.