STUART Broad made the early breakthrough as West Indies began their unlikely pursuit of 438 in the first Test, with James Anderson’s pursuit of a place in the history books set to continue today.

England declared on 333-7 late in the middle session, with Gary Ballance’s fourth Test century the cornerstone of a superb third innings effort.

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Burnley’s Anderson, on the occasion of his 100th Test, took the new ball on 382 Test scalps, just one behind the milestone set by Sir Ian Botham 23 years ago.

He was handed two overs before tea without success, but Broad did get England’s victory push moving when he bounced out Kraigg Brathwaite with his fifth delivery.

The second wicket didn’t fall until late in the day when Chris Jordan took a fantastic catch to dismiss Dwayne Bravo for 32 off the bowling of Joe Root.

Ballance had earlier laid the foundations with a fine 250-ball stay containing 11 fours and two sixes.

England were thoroughly professional in setting up the game, resuming on 116-3 and adding 217 in 48 overs, a run-rate of just over 4.5.

Ballance was assisted in no small part by selflessly attacking efforts from Joe Root (59), Ben Stokes (35) and Lancashire’s Jos Buttler (59no).

Buttler, in particular, sparkled at the crease.

He was at the crease for just 56 deliveries but struck five boundaries and two mighty sixes as he showcased much of his thrilling repertoire.

He swept and reverse swept with wonderful timing off the spinners and hit long and hard down the ground.

Had England not declared to give themselves five overs before tea, he would surely have done even more damage to West Indian spirits.

With all eyes on Anderson and his imminent place in the record books, Broad set the ball rolling for the tourists.

As in the first innings he made the new cherry spit at the batsman’s body, a proposition Brathwaite was unable to deal with.

He fended skittishly to Root at short leg and the hosts went to the interval in trouble on 9-1.

But the West Indies recovered well and battled up to 90 before Bravo was dismissed in stunning fashion.

The hosts reached the close on 98-2.