led by left-hander Gary Ballance, England continued to build on their commanding position against a listless West Indies at lunch on the fourth day of the first Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Thursday. Ballance carried his overnight 44 to 92 not out at the interval as England moved from 116 for three to 224 for four.
After bowling the West Indies out for 295 on the third day to gain a first innings lead of 104, England went to lunch with an overall lead of 328 with five sessions remaining in the match. England will likely declare in the afternoon session to give its bowlers plenty of time to bowl out the home team on a flat wicket that appears not to be changing in character.
Batting a second time, the tourists stumbled to 52 for three before Balance and Joe Root revived the innings with a fourth wicket partnership of 114 that began on the third day.
Root's was the only wicket to fall in the first session after he posted his second half century of the game. For the second time in the match, he edged a ball into his stumps and was bowled by fast bowler Jason Holder for 59. Ballance and Ben Stokes, who was 33 at lunch, put on a further 58.
Brief Scores
England:399 and 224/4 (Ballance 92*, Stokes 33*) lead West Indies: 294 by 328 runs.