10 Jun 2012

West Indies reach 280 for eight in third test

8:41 am on 10 June 2012

England have taken the initiative in the third and final cricket test against the West Indies reducing the visitors to 280 for eight on the first day of action.

After the opening two days were washed out by rain, Graham Onions and Tim Bresnan claimed three wickets apiece after the home team won the toss and decided to field.

The West Indies lost wickets at regular intervals throughout the day but Marlon Samuels and Denesh Ramdin made sure the visitors chalked up a respectable score at Edgbaston.

Samuels continued his fine form in the series with 76 while wicketkeeper Ramdin was 60 not out at the close and Ravi Rampaul undefeated on two.

England, seeking a 3-nil sweep in the series, rested Stuart Broad having already used the rotation policy to give their other leading fast bowler James Anderson a break ahead of the tests against South Africa next month.