Ballance's ton puts England in command at stumps on Day four of first Test against Windies

England hold a commanding 340-run lead over West Indies at the close of day four of the first Test match, thanks to Gary Ballance's ton and Jos Buttler's brisk unbeaten 59-run knock.

Resuming the play on day four, Ballance slammed his fourth Test ton and received substantial support from Joe Root (59), Buttler, and Ben Stokes (35) to give their team a solid 438 lead before declaring their second innings at 333-7.

Chasing an imposing target in Antigua, West Indies recovered from a shaky start to eventually lift their innings to 98-2 at stumps, the BBC reported.

Despite losing opener Kraigg Brathwaite (5) cheaply, West Indies steadied the ship as Devon Smith (59 not out) and Darren Bravo teamed up to built a 83-run stand for the second wicket.

Subsequently, Bravo was dismissed by Root's delivery for 32 runs shortly before the end of the play on day four.

Smith and Marlon Samuels (2 not out) will resume the play on the deciding day as they require 340 runs more to win while England need eight more wickets to clinch the first victory of the three-match Test series.