Rain gives Windies hope of draw

MANCHESTER, England (CMC):

The Windies’ hopes of saving the decisive third Test were boosted here yesterday after persistent rain forced the complete abandonment of the penultimate day of the contest at Old Trafford.

The inclement weather that was forecast arrived as scheduled well before the start, keeping players off the field and ensuring that ground-staff kept the playing area covered throughout the day.

Officials eventually called time on the day late in the scheduled final session, after it became evident no play would be possible.

The abandoned day worked in the Caribbean side’s favour, leaving them with 98 overs to survive today, the final day, to save the Test and retain the Wisden Trophy.

Set an improbable 399 for victory after England declared their second innings on 226 for two late on Sunday’s third day, the Windies stumbled to the close on 10 for 2, with seamer Stuart Broad capturing both wickets to move his career tally to 499.

They lost John Campbell for a duck in the second over of the innings, caught at slip by captain Joe Root, before also losing nightwatchman Kemar Roach, caught at the wicket for four, two overs later.

Shai Hope, unbeaten on four, and opener Kraigg Brathwaite, two, will carry the Windies’ fight on the final day.

The series is tied 1-1 after the Windies won the opening Test at Southampton and then lost the second by 113 runs at Old Trafford last week.