Good morning and welcome to day three of Sports Mole's live commentary of the third Test between England and the West Indies at Edgbaston.
England have been frustrated in their pursuit of a series whitewash after rain prevented any cricket from being played for the second day in a row.
The toss has yet to be decided and we are still awaiting confirmation of the two team selections, with it remaining unclear which bowling attack England will name.
Play is due to begin at 11am.
18:54That's all from our commentary today. Join me here tomorrow to see how events unfold, when coverage will start at 10.30am. Goodbye.
18:52The West Indies will aim to survive for as long as possible tomorrow but England will need to do something sepcial to force a result from this position.
18:52England may be slightly disappointed with today after having chances to bowl the tourists out much earlier.
WI 280-8Close of play: The West Indies close on 280-7 in their first innings.
WI 277-8Bresnan to bowl the final over of the day and it starts with a couple of runs guided to fine leg by Ramdin. Great fielding at cover by Alastair Cook as he dives to his left to stop a Ramdin drive. Very close to a wicket there, Bresnan gets Ramdin to playa leading edge but the ball safely drops between fielders. Ramdin flicks another single to fine leg and Rampaul keeps the final ball out.
WI 277-8The slips are in despair again as Ramdin edges one through a space for four runs. The pair then run very well to pick up two after a Ramdin pull shot before sneaking a single to end the over.
WI 270-8Good knock from Ramdin, who was made to work for every single one of those runs. A well deserved half century for the wicketkeeper.
WI 270-850Ramdin, still one run short of 50, drives straight to mid off but is then let off by Jonny Bairstow at point who allows him to scramble a single. Rampaul once again looks edgy at the crease but fends off a Bresnan short ball. The tail ender then has a swing at Bresnan and picks up two.
WI 267-8Ravi Rampaul comes to the crease and is forced onto the back foot straight away by an accurate Onions. The slips are up appealing for lbw but it looked like it pitched outside leg stump. It did pitch outside the line and the umpire gives the correct decision. rampaul plays out the rest of the over very nervously but does survive.
WI 267-8Two wickets remaining for the West Indies with less than four overs remaining today. Can they survive?
WI 267-8Wicket Graham Onions dismisses Narine as the left hander drags one on to his stumps.
WI 267-7Ramdin is just short of a half century now and hits a straight drive which is only stopped by the stumps at the opposite end. Bresnan keeps his line just outside off stump with Ramdin unable to find any room to play his shots and that's a maiden over.
WI 267-7Onions comes on to replace Finn but gets the same reaction as Bresnan did from ramdin with the right hander stroking the ball into the leg side for a couple. Ramdin is hit on the thigh but runs through for a leg bye, Narine plays and misses once again at a brilliant delivery from Onions. Strauss is altering his slips but you would think that England should want a breakthrough before the end of today. Narine then survives a hopeful lbw shout before being completely beaten by an Onions outswinger.
WI 264-7Bresnan returns and is guided onto the leg side for a single by ramdin. Narine has his first moment of madness by wildy hanging his bat outside off stump but he makes no contact. He sneaks two the next ball before edging a delivery that drops inches short of Strauss at first slip. Two more runs end the over.
WI 259-7Narine takes a quick single and then Ramdin proceeds to push three runs through mid wicket. Narine shows his ability with the bat as he smashes a half volley through the covers for his first boundary.
WI 251-7Narine carefully guides a single through cover before Ramdin once again misses a ball outside off stump. A great shot follows however, as Bresnan drifts too straight and Ramdin punishes him by collecting four runs. A second boundary in a row for Ramdin as he clips an over pitched delivery through mid on to move to 43.
WI 242-7Big wicket for England as Sunil Narine comes to the crease to replace Sammy. The debutant does well to keep out a full one before rushing through a single to get off the mark.
WI 241-7Wicket Strauss makes up for his earlier drop as Sammy flashes at one just outside off stump to give Finn his second wicket of the day.
WI 241-6Finn finding bounce as he has all day but Sammy shows good technique to avoid danger.
WI 241-6Bresnan comes back on to replace Onions and he's been a good leader of the attack today. Ramdin attempts to leave the ball but it catches the bottom of his bat to give him four runs. More luck for Ramdin as he edges the ball through the gap where third slip would be and Bresnan's look says it all. Eight from the over.
WI 233-6England needed that wicket, the tourists' tail does not look too strong.
WI 233-6Good running from this pair as they pick up a single and then two runs. Ramdin doing nothing spectacular but looks the best he has this series. Big, big chance for England, Finn finds Sammy's edge but Strauss drops a simple chance by his standards at first slip.
WI 230-6England have seemed a bit flat in this session apart from when Samuels was dismissed and Strauss will need a big effort from his players to end the day well.
WI 230-6This partnership will frustrate England the longer it goes on. Sammy pushes a single before punching a shot through the covers for a boundary. Onions responds well but Sammy survives the over.
WI 224-6Finn has pulled his length back again but Strauss probably won't want too much of that with the new ball. He pitches it up next ball and Ramdin wildly drives a shot which was not there to be played. Close for England, Ramdin once again drives the ball but this time edges it over the despairing slips.
WI 220-6Onions is looking threatening here, he's bowling at the stumps and Sammy is being pushed to the limit. We're seeing pictures of Tino Best on Sky Sports, he really is a great character and it will be interesting to see him bowl in this match. Sammy takes a step forward and drives Onions powerfully through the covers for a boundary.
WI 216-6Finn continues and Sammy could enjoy the extra pace of the Middlesex bowler but Finn will want to see the skipper attack. Good fielding in the gully prevents four but no one can stop Sammy sneaking through next ball for a single. Absolutely beautiful delivery from Finn as he gets one to bounce and leave Ramdin. The Windies wicketkeeper looks lost next ball as he tries to turn it onto the leg side but proceeds in turning himself completely around the crease.
WI 215-6Sammy needs to lead the team now, he and Ramdin need to see off the threat of the new ball.
WI 215-6Graham Onions gets the new ball and he's had a brilliant day on his return to the Test side. Sammy gets off the mark nicely with a push through mid wicket bringing him a couple of runs. Onions finds the edge but the ball drops short of Pietersen at gully and Sammy picks up another run by shoveling out an Onions yorker. Ramdin then clips a ball fine to pick up two and that's drinks.
WI 210-6Finn starts a new spell much like he did the previous ones, by knocking over the bails during his bowling action. A single from Ramdin brings Sammy on strike and that's a beauty from Finn as he beats the bat. Prior reaches down the leg side to prevent four byes and it's two from the over.
WI 208-6Andrew Strauss has chosen to take the second new ball straight away and Finn will be given it. Important passage of play coming up.
WI 208-6Sammy survives a shout for lbw first ball to a delivery he left but the ball was certainly not doing enough to hit the stumps. The captain keeps Bresnan out but England have the key wicket they needed.
WI 208-6Darren Sammy has a job to do now, that wicket has changed the complexion of this innings.
WI 208-6Wicket Loud appeals from England as Bresnan beats Samuels' bat and is given out. Samuels reviews the decision and it stays with the on field umpire. Big wicket for England, Samuels gone for a brilliant 76.
WI 208-5Shot of the day from Samuels as he crunches a drive between two fielders to collect four more runs against Trott. The part time bowler responds well though with a ball that seems to have stayed low. Samuels takes a single from the penultimate delivery to keep the strike.
WI 203-5The crowd look brilliant at Edgbaston, there's been noise all day despite this quiet period after tea.
WI 203-5Tim Bresnan returns to the attack and is immediately back on target, giving Ramdin little room to play expansive shots. Ramdin pulls a short pitched delivery through mid wicket for two and that's the 50 partnership. Much needed effort from these two.
WI 201-5The arrival of the new ball will tell us who this day belongs too, England must take quick wickets with it.
WI 201-5Trott continues but the two batsman are looking relaxed against him as they run a couple to go past 200. It's been hard work but the West Indies have battled well.
WI 199-5Ramdin is feeling more comfortable now as he charges down the wicket to heave a four over mid wicket. Swann will fancy his chances if he continues to play like that. However, Ramdin quickly retreats to block out the remaining five balls.
WI 195-5Pictures are shown of groundstaff catching up on sleep after two full days of hard work against the rain. Brilliant dedication from them.
WI 195-5Trott's excited as Ramdin plays across his pad for a single but Samuels is much more assured against the medium pacer. Superb fielding from Pietersen prevents a boundary from Samuels after yet another powerful drive. Two singles makes it four from the over for the tourists.
WI 190-5Ramdin remains watchful against Swann and England looked resigned to attacking with the new ball in six overs. Ramdin does grab a single with the last ball of the over with a well placed cut shot.
WI 189-5The new ball is available in 8 overs so Trott is likely to continue until then. Samuels is stopped from getting two by Bresnan but the same fielder is the culprit of a couple of runs just two balls later. Four from the over.
WI 185-5After a single from Samuels, Strauss brings in the field in an attempt to keep Ramdin on strike. No false shots from him though and that's the end of the 72nd over.
WI 184-5Swann will want Samuels and so will Strauss but he looks pretty solid at the moment.
WI 184-5Trott bowls a steady line outside off stump to Ramdin but the right hander refrains from playing any rash shots. That's a maiden.
WI 184-5Jonathan Trott is getting a bowl and how often do we see a part time bowler taking a vital wicket? The Windies must concentrate.
WI 184-5Strauss brings back Swann and Ramdin immediately pushes him to mid on for a single. Samuels provides even more entertainment with a powerful drive through cover, Swann getting no help from the pitch. The Notts spinner is relying on his drift and almost gets his man when Samuels edges one onto his pad but the ball loops to safety.
WI 179-5Samuels is enjoying the extra responsibility given to him by Chanderpaul's absence. The only problem could be him running out of partners.
WI 179-5Finn continues to tease Samuels outside the off stump but the highest run scorer of the series remains unmoved. A clip to mid on bring Ramdin on strike who pushes one through mid wicket for three. Samuels hits a trademark cut past point for four runs and he really is on top form now.
WI 171-5Strauss looks slightly concerned by Samuels' dominance and he's taken a slip out. Ramdin is beaten by a beautiful delivery from Bresnan which just misses the edge and proceeds to defend the rest of the over. Good work from Bresnan, not giving Ramdin an inch.
WI 171-5Steven Finn is brought on at the other end and he'll be desperate to bowl a spell like he did earlier. Ramdin quickly gets off strike but Samuels doesn't need to run as he smashes another drive through cover for a boundary. Two singles end the over as Samuels moves to 55.
WI 164-5Good start from Bresnan, doesn't give Samuels a chance to free his arms by keeping a tight line just outside the off stump and that's a maiden.
WI 164-5Tim Bresnan is set to start proceedings after tea.
WI 164-5If England can pick up the last five wickets quickly and bat well tomorrow, Andrew Strauss may feel that an unlikely result is possible.
WI 164-5The umpires have appeared again as we prepare for a session which could chape this match.
WI 164-5We may see a slightly conservative approach from West Indies after tea but England will certainly put their foot down after this break.
WI 164-5Barath, Powell and Fudadin will be disappointed with themselves, all three got starts but they failed to go on from there.
WI 164-5England will believe they can wrap up the innings in the evening session with 98 overs scheduled to be played today.
WI 164-5At the tea break Samuels is unbeaten on 50 and is joined by Ramdin who is currently on one.
WI 164-5The umpires have signalled the end of the session. England certainly on top after taking four wickets but they will be concerned by Samuels reaching 50.
WI 164-5A fired up Onions returns and he'll be desperate to get Samuels out after that celebration. It's Ramdin who's on strike though and Onions tries to bring the ball back at the wicketkeeper's stumps but his defence remains solid.
WI 164-550 That's the half century for Samuels as he fires a drive through extra cover before raising his bat to salute Graham Onions. Brave.
WI 160-5Samuels moves to 40 with a single before Ramdin sneaks one through the vacant mid on position. Swann not at his best and he won't be any happier now as Samuel charges down the wicket to launch him over mid wicket for 6.
WI 152-5England will be eager to break into the West Indies tail soon, so Samuels could be the key wicket.
WI 152-5Samuels continues to have conversations with the bowling attack, this time he targets Bresnan at mid on. Onions finishes the over with two dot balls against the new batsman, Dinesh Ramdin.
WI 152-5Wicket Onions gets his second of the day as he pushes one across Deonarine and catches the edge before the ball heads into the grateful hands of Strauss.
WI 151-4Onions is still on for now and keeps a line tight to the stumps trying to trap Samuels lbw. The right hander angers Onions by playing across his legs for a single.
WI 151-4Finn will surely be brought into the attack soon, been a constant threat today.
WI 151-4Swann hits the edge with the third ball fo the over and looks increasingly frustrated with Deonarine. The left hander then picks up a single towards Bairstow who seems to have taken a heavy fall. Samuels takes a step towards the leg side and tries to pull but fails to make real contact with the short ball. Two from the over.
WI 149-4A bit of chat between Samuels and Onions at the end of the over. Samuels doesn't look like he'll back down.
WI 149-4Samuels is finding it hard to live with Onions as the ball goes past his bat again. A well directed short ball ends in a stare between the two with Onions breaking the tension by offering a cheeky smile. Samuels happy to defend against Onions before flashing at a wide one, a maiden over.
WI 149-4Deonarine is proving his technique against a disgruntled Swann as he pushes one to point for a single. Samuels keeps the scoreboard ticking over with a run through mid wicket and the over ends with half an appeal from Swann.
WI 147-4Prior getting more treatment on his eyes, with the medical team applying drops.
WI 147-4The pace is looking good from Onions today and he finds Samuels' edge but it drops short of Strauss at first slip. It's a maiden for Onions.
WI 147-4Swann has a big role to play here and he'll be eager to grab his first wicket. Samuels pushes a single and Deonarine refuses to be tempted outside off stump. Just the single from the over.
WI 146-4Onions is on to replace Bresnan, he'll be looking for more wickets to impress Flower. More straight bowling from the seamer and Samuels does well to clip one off his pads. Onions drops his length a touch shorter at Deonarine who proceeds to leave the ball outside his off stump. First big shot from the left hander as Onions pitches it a bit too full and Deonarine makes no mistake by driving it to the boundary.
WI 141-4Samuels is in full flow now as he lobs a shot over Swann's head for four and the spinner is in a real battle here. A quick single brings Deonarine on strike and the left hander continues to block out Swann.
WI 136-4Samuels skips down the pitch to hit Bresnan through the covers for two runs and follows it up with an even better drive that crashes into the boundary rope. Two good shots followed up with a quick single and that's seven from the over.
WI 129-4All of the seamers have a wicket now and Andy Flower will be enjoying this display. Strength in depth is very impressive.
WI 129-4Tough test now for Deonarine facing Swann but he looks solid and beats the drift to play out a maiden over.
WI 129-4Deonarine gets off the mark straight away with a single through square leg, pressure on the West Indies now.
WI 128-4Bell must be relieved after that catch but chances couldn't come any easier than that one there. Fudadain gone for a stubborn 28, Narsingh Deonarine in next.
WI 128-4Wicket Bresnan takes the short ball route this time and smashes Fudadin on the glove with Bell taking a simple catch at third slip.
WI 128-3These two are trying to build a partnership and Samuels is looking in good form once again. Strauss may be tempted to bring Finn on for a few short deliveries at Fudadin.
WI 128-3Samuels trying to dominate Swann here, hitting a good shot through cover for another boundary. Five off the over.
WI 123-3Great drive from Samuels straight past Bresnan and that's a welcome boundary for the tourists. Stifled appeals from the slips as Samuels takes one on the pads but it's quickly rejected. Six from the over.
WI 117-3Fudadin not scoring quickly here, (27 runs from 106 balls) but his presence at the crease could be vital if the Windies are to reach a big total.
WI 117-3Swann getting some drift here and Samuels is eager to use his feet to meet the ball but picks out the fielder on three occasions. A straight drive brings him an easy single to mid off. Fudadain defending well against Swann still.
WI 116-3Bresnan showing good rhythm in this spell. Showing good control at both the right and left handers with just a single coming from the over.
WI 115-3Samuels is really showing his maturity in this series, always had the ability but many questioned his application. He looks like a quality player now.
WI 115-3Superb shot from Samuels through the off side brings him four runs and he then clips one to fine leg for a single.
WI 110-3The players will take a drink now, if you want to tweet us your thoughts on today's play, @sports_mole is our account.
WI 110-3Samuels edges one down to fine leg off Bresnan but the seamer gets straight back on target against Fudadin who looks slightly more comfortable now. Impresive start from the debutant and he's certainly showed some fight.
WI 109-3Swann will want to get at Fudadin here. He teases him outside off stump before getting one to go straight on which Fudadin keeps out well. Pressure is building again on West Indies.
WI 109-3Bresnan quickly becoming England's Mr Dependable. Good line and length at Samuels and it's yet another maiden over.
WI 109-3The Windies looking to build a big score here, important they remain solid. Samuels is the key.
WI 109-3Samuels looking solid against Swann and picks up a single through mid wicket. Fudadin gone back into his shell slightly.
WI 108-3Bresnan replaces Finn, who's earned a rest after a superb spell. Just the two from the over.
WI 106-3Good over by Swann, bowling a tight line and that's a maiden.
WI 106-3Shots of Jimmy Anderson taking his rest by spending time on the exercise bike.
WI 106-3Finn straight back at top speed but Samuels plays him well through mid wicket for three. Samuels has been impressive in this series against England's attack. Fudadin hits an extravagant cut shot but can only find Pietersen in the gully. Three from Finn's over.
WI 103-3Swann comes on for the first time after lunch and Fudadin takes advantage of a short ball to smash through mid wicket for four runs. The spinner responds well with a teasing line outside off stump for the rest of the over.
WI 99-3Marlon Samuels comes in at five and keeps out a brilliant yorker from Finn that hits 90mph.
WI 99-3Wicket Finn gets his reward for a great spell as Bravo offers up a simple caught and bowled opportunity with the seamer making no mistake. Poor shot from Bravo.
WI 99-2Finn really is on form here, beating the bat twice in the opening three balls against Bravo.
WI 99-2Fingers crossed, the weather seems to be looking good today and if all goes well, play can last until 7pm.
WI 99-2Bravo sneaks a single from the first ball with Bairstow failing to pick the ball up. Fudadin has yet another reckless swing outside off stump, this time against Onions. He then plays a short ball well, picking up a couple of runs before defending the final two balls of the over.
WI 96-2Good spell from Finn here, hitting Fudadin's bat hard with dangerous deliveries. Superb ball has the youngster reaching out in hope but the ball goes past the bat again. Another maiden from Finn.
WI 96-2Bravo's had some starts in this series but faces a tough test today with England looking good since lunch. He blocks a couple but Onions beats the bat with a superb delivery, the confidence in his face is obvious after the wicket. Bravo gets on top of the next ball well and guides the ball fine for four runs before leaving the last.
WI 92-2Finn certainly the fastest of the England trio today, just short of 88mph in the first two deliveries. Length is superb from Finn, just back of a length throughout the over. Fudadin struggling to adapt and that's a maiden.
WI 92-2Bravo tucks his first ball away onto the leg side. Nearly a run out chance but Bravo rejects Fudadin's offer of a run. The debutant does get off strike with a clip through mid wicket. Onions keeps a tight line to finish the over.
WI 90-2Finn continues and hits the bails with his knee for what seems like the tenth time today. Fudadin goes slightly more defensive following the arrival of Darren Bravo and stays watchful throughout the first five balls. Beauty from Finn finishes the over.
WI 90-2Wicket Onions beats Barath's bat and hits him on the pads, the umpire gives it out but the opener reviews the decision. Hawkeye confirms that the ball would have clipped the stumps and Barath is gone for 41. Onions is delighted with that wicket.
WI 90-1Onions stays wide of the off stump at the start of the over before directing one at Barath's thigh pad.
WI 90-1That dropped catch was an easier chance than the one Bell put down this morning, he's not the bowler's best friend today.
WI 90-1The signs are looking ominous for the West Indies as Fudadin has another wild swing at a wide delivery. That's better from him though as the left hander latches on to a full delivery to pick up four runs. Five runs from the over and a chance missed for England.
WI 86-1Finn to bowl from the other end and it's a dropped catch straight away. Ian Bell is the culprit again as Barath edges a short ball straight to third slip but Bell drops his second of the day.
WI 85-1Stuart Broad on Twitter: "I have a small virus but fully fine to play. Its a good opportunity to give Finny and Bunny(Onions) some Test cricket in a shortened game."
WI 85-1Fudadin shows his inexperience by flashing at one just outside off stump and he's lucky he hasn't edged that. Onions is right back to work here, he shapes one across Fudadin who is bemused by the movement. The Durham ace continues to be accurate and it's a maiden straight after lunch.
WI 85-1The players are back on the field and Graham Onions will bowl the first over of the session.
13:38Anyway back to today, the swing didn't seem to last for long this morning and England may have to be patient by building pressure on a fragile top order.
13:35Many expect James Taylor to make an impact for England soon and a televised century last week for Nottinghamshire showcased his quality.
13:34Sky Sports have treated us to some highlight of the Engalnd Lions' tour this past winter and the future certainly does look bright.
13:33The signs before lunch looked inviting for Swann and we could see him occupying one end for a long time. We are scheduled for 98 overs to be played today.
13:32Good afternoon, we're back for what should be an intriguing session of cricket at Edgbaston. Andrew Strauss will want his side to take some early wickets and expose the West Indies middle order.
13:06Join us again at 13:40 for the afternoon session.
WI 85-1Lunch That is a good session from the West Indies and have defended well against the England attack with Barath on 40 alongside Fudadin on 15.
WI 85-1Last over before lunch and it's a good one from Bresnan with an edged four from Barath being the only blemish.
WI 81-1Fudadin pushes his pads towards a straight Swann delivery but it's just wide of off stump. The left hander adds a single before Barath guides a couple to third man. Another single from Barath and Fudadin blocks out what should be Swann's last over before lunch.
WI 77-1Barath will feel he's in now and show hiss confidence by clipping Bresnan off his legs into the leg side for two. Good end to the over from Bresnan though with just the two coming from it.
WI 75-1The West Indies are battling well this morning, important they don't lose another wicket before the break.
WI 75-1Swann should relish this battle with the left handed Fudadin. The spinner will want a wicket before lunch but Fudadin is blocking well. Good over from both, maiden for Swann.
WI 75-1Bresnan's back into the attack and is immediately tucked away for a single by Barath. He finds Fudadin's edge but the debutant keeps his hands low and earns four through third man before adding a single from the final ball.
WI 69-1Small signs of spin for Swann and tries to tempt Barath outside off stump. The opener does have a go and earns three through cover to bring Fudadin on strike. Three dot balls from Swann end the over.
WI 66-1Swann will want Barath to continue to attack him after that big shot in the last over.
WI 65-1Bresnan does not appear at the other end as Finn continues to probe away. There's a quick two and then a single from Fudadin who looks to have settled well. Barath continues his nervy play against Finn at the end of the over before sneaking a single.
WI 62-1Swann's right on the spot straight away aginst a watchful Barath and has a hopeful lbw appeal turned down. Wow, where did that come from? Barath skips down the wicket and smashes Swann straight for six. Great shot. Good reply from the spinner who forces Barath back to defend.
WI 56-1Swann comes on for the first time today but Bresnan will presumably swap ends after this over.
WI 56-1Barath tucks one away to fine leg well for a single towards Trott. Fuadadin strikes Finn through extra cover for four and that will give the youngster some confidence. Finn's short balls look most angerous with Fudadin fending off another delivery.
WI 51-1Bresnan keeps it tight and Fudadin seems to be struggling to get bat on ball here. A short ball from Bresnan that strikes Fudadin completes a maiden.
WI 51-1Prior seems to be struggling with his eyes, could that be a return of the infection we were informed of before the start of this match.
WI 51-1Finn continues his battle with Barath and looks to be ahead of the opener at the moment but a couple of good leaves from the batsman. Two balls back of a length to finsish a maiden over from Finn.
WI 51-1Replay shows Swann was very close to dropping that catch, just held on for the vital breakthrough. Powell didn't need to play there.
WI 51-1Assad Fudadin guides his first Test delivery to third man. He's off the mark in Test cricket with a couple through mid wicket.
WI 49-1Wicket Bresnan shapes one across Powell and finds the edge with Swann making no mistake at second slip.
WI 49-0Bresnan back into the attack and he is immediately hit for four by Powell.
WI 45-0Great first delivery from Finn as he brings one back at Barath who really is struggling with the extra bounce. The opener replies well though as he drives a full delivery through extra cover for four. Finn starting to realise Barath enjoys driving the ball and pulls his length back for the last couple of balls.
WI 41-0Bararth happy to take a single and then Powell guides one through third man for two. Quiet over as Powell sneaks another two to finish.
WI 36-0Good short ball at Barath from Finn, who's looked impessive this morning. Very close to the first wicket there, Finn bowls a full delivery which finds the inside edge but the ball evades the stumps and the diving Prior. Barath struggling to deal with Finn's bounce as he reaches for a wider ball. A single is taken from the final but a good over from Finn.
WI 31-0The tourists will be happy with this start, nothing spectacular but have defended admirably so far.
WI 30-0Onions bowling well this morning and the more you look at that replay of Bell's dropped catch the more of a good chance it looks. A maiden over is ruined by a quick single from Barath on the final ball and that's drinks.
WI 30-0We're treated to a shot of the pirates in the crowd as Finn begins the next over. Plenty of fancy dress here today. Both batsman collect easy singles before Finn shapes one across Powell who can't help but have a swing and it's close to the edge. Finn follows up well with two deliveries that bounce and leave the batsman.
WI 28-0Second lbw appeal not given by Tony Hill and a correct one with Powell's inside edge hitting the ball first. Onions looking dangerous moving the ball both ways. Jonny Bairstow chases a ball played through third man and he stops the boundary well. Three from the over.
WI 25-0A wide ball at the start of Finn's over and Powell drives the next delivery for three. Finn bowling very close to the stumps having knocked over the bails twice. Good fielding from Pietersen stops a boundary in the gully.
WI 21-0Very close for England and they'll feel that inswinger could get Barath at some point this morning.
WI 21-0Not Out It looks high on first reflection and hawkeye shows the ball clipping the stumps which means Bararth survives the review. He tucks one away for a couple before defending the final two balls.
WI 15-0Onions immediately returns to the attack to replace Bresnan and continues to bwol a tight line at Barath. He slightly strays down the legside with four leg byes being given. Big, big appeal from England Onions brings one back and Strauss chooses to appeal the not out decision.
WI 15-0The lights are on at the ground. Dry but very gloomy in Birmingham.
WI 15-0Good start from Finn. The Midddlesex seamer is getting some nice bounce off the surface with Powell happy to the ball. Finn continues the trend and starts with a maiden.
WI 15-0Bowling change as Steven Finn replaces Graham Onions.
WI 15-0Bresnan is probing the area outside off stump this morning. Barath looking slightly more defensive after offering that chance to Bell. The opener blocks a couple. England building pressure here and that's a third maiden over in a row.
WI 15-0Onions bringing the ball back at Powell nicely so far. Before sending two across him to end a maiden over.
WI 15-0Looking particularly cold at Edgbaston, sweaters all round for the England fielders.
WI 15-0Bresnan keeps it accurate with Barath happy to watch most of the over. That's a maiden for Bresnan.
WI 15-0Bell offers an apology to Onions in the form of a pat on the back. Let's just say you couldn't feel the love.
WI 15-0Superb delivery from Onions' second ball of the over as he cuts Barath in half with an inswinger. The Durham seamer is finding some swing already. Chance, Barath edges one towards third slip and Bell puts down a chance he really should have taken.
WI 14-0Beauty from Bresnan as he forces Powell into a loose drive. Good comeback as the left-hander hits one through extra cover for four. Small appeal from Bresnan later in the over as Powell plays and misses but the umpire shakes his head. Powell lacking in foot movement.
WI 10-0A member of the West Indies camp has confirmed that Chanderpaul is absent with a side strain.
WI 10-0Onions bowling in the mid 80's and keeps his line very straight throughout the over.
WI 10-0Good shot from Powell straight down the ground but well fielded by Pietersen to restrict them to three.
WI 7-0Barath keeps out a good yorker from Bresnan before defending the final two deliveries
WI 7-0First boundary of the morning as Barath latches onto a full delivery to drive well through cover for four.
WI 3-0Bit of bounce in the first over, Finn will surely be interested after seeing that but it's Bresnan who will bowl next.
WI 3-0Good start from Onions as Powell remains watchful at the end of the over.
11:01First ball of the day is a leg bye which brings Powell on strike who watches one before driving through cover for two.
10:59Great day for Onions after a long battle with injury.
10:59There's the first wrong prediction of the day. Graham Onions is set to take the new ball for England.
10:56Play set to get started in a couple of minutes. Can you believe it? Cricket being played this week. I never thought I'd see the day!
10:54Weather forecast suggests that it may get brighter later today, the West Indies will want to be in a strong position when the sun comes out.
10:50Who will take the new ball for England? Would expect Bresnan and Finn with Onions coming in as first change but all have the ability to swing the ball which is vital at Edgbaston.
10:47Ian Ward still not made it into the commentary box on Sky Sports and claims that the pitch looks 'dry and very hard.'
10:46Should be interesting to see if the pitch does anything this morning in the overcast conditions.
10:4317,000 tickets have been sold today, expect those supporters to be slightly more lucky with the weather.
10:42Assad Fudadin is the second debutant in the Windies team with Narsingh Deonarine also hoping to impress in the new batting lineup.
10:40Sunil Narine is the 'mystery spinner' we mentioned yesterday with many keen to get a first look at him at Test level.
10:39Chanderpaul's injury is described as a 'slight tear' in his stomach by Michael Holding.
10:38Stuart Broad joins Anderson on the sidelines, with Strauss suggesting he is slightly under the weather.
10:37Darren Sammy is without Shivnarine Chanderpaul after fears over a side injury were confirmed.
10:35West Indies team: Barath, Powell, Fudadin, Bravo, Deonarine, Samuels, Ramdin, Sammy, Best, Rampaul, Narine
10:34Strauss has suggested that England must start well and that England have not been distracted by the controversy regarding James Anderson's omission.
10:33England team: Andrew Strauss, Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Jonny Bairstow, Matt Prior, Tim Bresnan, Graeme Swann, Steven Finn, Graham Onions
10:32England have won the toss and have chosen to bowl.
10:30If the early reports are correct, the toss and full team news should be arriving shortly.
10:28Morning all, it looks like we're finally going to see some cricket today at Edgbaston. Groundstaff have claimed that the pitch could be ready for the scheduled time of 11am.
Written by
Callum Mulvihill
Callum Mulvihill
