England vs WIndies, third Test, Edgbaston, June 7-11

[mikesiva]

England (probable) 1 Andrew Strauss (capt), 2 Alastair Cook, 3 Jonathan Trott, 4 Kevin Pietersen, 5 Ian Bell, 6 Jonny Bairstow, 7 Matt Prior (wk), 8 Tim Bresnan, 9 Stuart Broad, 10 Graeme Swann, 11 Steven Finn

West Indies will need to ponder a few changes. Narine is favoured to replace Shane Shillingford (despite being Roach's replacement in the squad) while either Tino Best or Fidel Edwards will partner Ravi Rampaul. The top order will need a shuffle, too. Kirk Edwards, for his own well-being, needs to step away from the spotlight. Narsingh Deonarine is likely to bat No. 6.

West Indies (probable) 1 Adrian Barath, 2 Kieran Powell, 3 Darren Bravo, 4 Marlon Samuels, 5 Shivnarine Chanderpaul, 6 Narsingh Deonarine, 7 Denesh Ramdin (wk), 8 Darren Sammy (capt), 9 Tino Best, 10 Ravi Rampaul, 11 Sunil Narine

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[mikesiva]

"Steven Davies, the Surrey wicketkeeper, has been drafted into the England squad for the third Test against West Indies after Matt Prior picked up an eye infection. Davies, who was playing in the County Championship against Sussex at Horsham and will leave at the close of play, will be released on Thursday morning if Prior is passed fit. He has yet to play Test cricket but has been the reserve Test keeper of the last two years for series against Australia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka."

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[Arnik]

England will not want to lose Prior because he has a healthy batting average.

[Arnik]

The weather forecast does not look good for Edgbaston so the rain might have the last word in this test.

[mapoui]

there will be time enuff in between for the cutarse doh worry!

[mikesiva]

Yes, it's expected to rain in Birmingham for most of the day today....

[Arnik]

If this test is drawn because of the rain WI will still have a rating of 85, the same as New Zealand.

If WI lose their rating drops to 83.

[mikesiva]

If this test is drawn because of the rain WI will still have a rating of 85, the same as New Zealand.

If WI lose their rating drops to 83.

So the rain might save our ranking....

EngvWi Lunch will be from 12.30 - 1.10pm. After that, it's back to hoping that the weather clears up in Birmingham.

[badpepper]

1.40pm: There is a suggestion from the ground, courtesy of the tireless George Dobell, that Shivnarine Chanderpaul has gone to hospital for a scan on a side injury. We are trying to get an official word and will let you know when we have more.

2.10pm: More information from our men at the ground, George and Nagraj, who understand Chanderpaul visited hospital with the team physio and also the manager Richie Richardson.

"Looks like Shiv will get some recovery time before the game starts," says James.

Bad news

[DMan]

Good, verrry good. All it needs now is to rain for the remaining 4 days and WI can declare victory that they have drawn with the No. 1 test team in world on their home ground.