No play before lunch in third England-Windies Test

BIRMINGHAM: Rain washed out the morning session of the first day of the third Test between England and the West Indies at Edgbaston here on Thursday.

Heavy overnight and early morning rain meant the square was fully covered when the captains should have been tossing up ahead of a scheduled 11am (1000GMT) start.

There was a brief spell when the covers were removed but fresh rain meant it was not long before the pitch and square were fully covered again, as overcast skies threatened another downpour.

The umpires subsequently announced they would be taking lunch 30 minutes early at 12.30pm local time (1130GMT) in the hope of a prompt start to the afternoon session, but prospects for play were bleak.

England have an unbeatable 2-0 lead in this three-match series. (AFP)