England vs West Indies Day 3 Highlights, 3rd Test – 09-06-2012

England: A Strauss(c), A Cook, J Trott, K Pietersen, I Bell, J Bairstow, M Prior(wk), S Broad, G Swann, G Onions / S Finn, T Bresnan

West Indies: A Barath, K Powell, K Edwards, D Bravo, S Chanderpaul, M Samuels, D Ramdin(wk), D Sammy(c), K Roach / F Edwards / T Best, R Rampaul, S Shillingford/ S Narine

Pitch and conditions

Traditionally the Edgbaston pitch will get better for batting as the game progresses. Initially, there will be swing and seam-movement on offer for the pacers who are willing to bend their backs. The last game played at this venue saw England amass a massive 710-7 in their first innings against the Indians. Meanwhile, the meteorologists have predicted mild thundershowers in the 2nd week of June, and that could have an impact towards the end of the test match.

England: (W W W)

May 25-28 2012- vs WI- won by 10 wickets

May 17-21 2012- vs WI- won by 5 wickets

April 3-7 2012- vs SL- won by 8 wickets

West Indies: (L L L)

May 25-28 2012- vs Eng- lost by 10 wickets

May 17-21 2012-vs Eng- lost by 5 wickets

April 23-27 2012-vs Aus- lost by 75 runs

Players to watch

M Samuels: Samuels has displayed sound temperament and tight technique to take on the best bowlers in the world amidst difficult conditions. If it had not been for Samuels’ fine rearguard action, Sammy and his comrades would have folded up rather easily. The 31 year old will be the key central figure for the tourists.

T Bresnan:  The strongly built bowler can work up good steam and trouble the batsmen. His incisive 6 over spell on the third day of the Nottingham Test ripped through the heart of the West Indies batting. He is also a handy batsman down the order.