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West Indies vs England 1st Test: Zak Crawley hits century, England seize control against West Indies

Zak Crawley and a confident captain's knock by Joe Root lifted England into a commanding position, 153 runs ahead in their second innings after day four of the first Test against West Indies on Friday. Crawley (117) and Root (84) scored freely for an unbeaten 193-run second-wicket partnership, pushing England to 217 for one in North Sound on the island of Antigua, where stumps were drawn early due to a late afternoon tropical downpour. While a draw is still probably the most likely result, the partnership all but eliminated any chance of a West Indies victory barring an extremely bold declaration by Root early on the final day. England, however, will be disappointed to have lost more than 23 overs because of the rain. After West Indies scored at a snail's pace in eking out a 64-run first innings lead, England quickly wiped out the deficit, playing with intent rather than simply trying to occupy the crease.

West Indies vs England, 1st Test, Day 4 Report: Ton-Up Zak Crawley, Joe Root Put England In Charge Of First Test

Zak Crawley's undefeated second Test century and a composed, unbeaten 84 by skipper Joe Root pushed England towards safety at 217 for one in their second innings on a rain-shortened fourth day of the first Test at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua on Friday. Having trailed by 64 runs at the start of the innings, the tourists ended the day ahead by 153 and with nine wickets in hand. They may entertain the thought of trying to force victory on the final day although the benign nature of the pitch suggests a tame draw is almost inevitable.