BIRMINGHAM, England, CMC – Another day of rain in the West Midlands forced the abandonment of play for the second straight day in the final Test between England and West Indies here yesterday. Officials had little hesitation in calling off play at 1:50 pm, just minutes after lunch, when it was clear there would be no improvement in the weather.
Thursday’s opening day was also abandoned without a ball bowled, and the advese weather has now effectively reduced the Edgbaston contest to a three-day affair. It is the first time in 48 years the first two days of an England home Test has been washed out. However, the forecast for the weekend appears brighter and has offered hope for play on the remaining days, though there are concerns about areas of the ground which remain soggy.
Yesterday’s washout may have bought the Windies time to get Shivnarine Chanderpaul fit for the game, after the veteran left-hander went to hospital on Thursday suffering with a side strain. If he does not play, it will mean the end of his tour as he takes no part in the limited overs series starting next week. West Indies trail 0-2 in the three-Test series following losses at Lord’s and Trent Bridge.
