West Indies v/s England: England lead by 220 on day three; Gary Ballance, Joe Root pull out rescue act

England have recovered from a batting collapse and are in a commanding position in the first Test against West Indies at North Sound.

With a first-innings lead of 104, England were down to to 52-3, with Jonathan Trott and Alastair Cook failing yet again. But Gary Ballance and Joe Root rescued England and helped them to 116-3, at the close of day three in Antigua.

England now have a lead of 220 and are comfortably poised come day four. Earlier, James Tredwell registered figures of 4-47, which ensured that West Indies were all-out for 295. Jermaine Blackwood's unbeaten 112 ensured that West Indies did not entirely crumble.

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Blackwood's maiden Test century - in his sixth game - and Jerome Taylor's two-wicket burst went to waste as West Indies failed to maintain pressure on England later on. Ballance and Root batted superbly as they notched up 44 and 32 not out respectively. Despite the fact that West Indies must bat last on a pitch which has signs of variable bounce, their top order batting remains an issue.

England have lost both openers cheaply for the second consecutive time in this test match. Trott, playing his first Test since November 2013, has scores of zero and four in this test.

Centurion Ian Bell was run out for 11 which severly dented England's momentum. But England now have Ballance and Root to thank for as their partnership has ensured that they still can go for victory come the last two days of the game.

ReportSportdna Web Teamdna webdeskMumbaiWeb ExclusivespecialEnglandWest IndiesGary BallanceJoe RootAlastair CookJonathan TrottJermaine BlackwoodIan BellThursday, 16 April 2015 - 6:06pmThursday, 16 April 2015 - 6:11pm

Gary Ballance plays a shot against West IndiesGetty Images

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