England's latest centurion Gary Ballance said he overcame scratchy form, before reaching triple figures on foreign soil for the first time in his Test career.
Ballance's fourth ton in just his ninth Test helped England set West Indies a target of 438 for victory in the first Test at Antigua, with the hosts at 98-2 heading into Friday's fifth day.
In just his ninth Test, Ballance (122) anchored the England innings - combining for a 114-run stand with Joe Root (59), which began on day three, and also contributing to half-century partnerships with Ben Stokes (35) and Jos Buttler (59 not out) before Alastair Cook declared at 333-7.
"Yeah we had to weather the storm a bit yesterday afternoon," Ballance told ECB's website, referring to his partnership with fellow Yorkshire product Root.
"Rooty came in and he was positive as always and he played nicely and I was just a bit scratchy at the other end but I was happy doing that - just battling through and try to get through to the close of play with a not out and that's what happened."
Ballance went on to produce a 250-ball knock that saw him spend more than five hours in the middle.
He heaped further praise on Root, though, who has had a hand in both of England's wickets in the fourth innings so far.
Root took the catch to dismiss opener Kraigg Brathwaite off the bowling of Stuart Broad, before his part-time off-spinners snared the wicket of Darren Bravo for 32 to give England some momentum late in the day.
Chris Jordan took a stunning catch at first slip to oust Bravo.
"That's what Rooty does he comes in and makes things happen," Ballance said.
"And for Chris to take that catch at slip, he loves a one-hander and it's another special catch from him."
Ballance rued not being closer to victory, but was confident the tourists could finish off a positive start to the three-Test series.
"It's been a good day I think, it would have been nice to have had them three or four down but the wicket is a good wicket and it's going to be tough," he lamented.
"We knew it was going to be like that so we've got two wickets and eight more tomorrow would be perfect.
"It's going to be tough work but we've got a new ball coming after lunch so we'll make the most of that."