BIRMINGHAM // A third washout in five days was looming large in the <a href="http://www.thenational.ae/sport/cricket/tino-best-provides-bright-spot-as-draw-looms-in-third-test">rain-ravaged third Investec Test</a> between <a href="http://www.thenational.ae/thenationalconversation/sport-comment/rotation-comes-with-its-own-risks-for-england">England</a> and the West indies. Forecast bad weather was already in evidence an hour before the scheduled start time, with a forlorn Edgbaston square under full cover. The match, already shorn of its first two days by persistent rain, appeared destined for a draw today - irrespective of the elements. England were 221 for five in reply to West Indies' first innings 426, a deficit of 205 runs and needing a further 56 to avoid the follow-on, in a match where the first two days had been washed out completely. Ian Bell was 76 not out and nightwatchman Steven Finn nought not out. West Indies' total owed much to Tino Best's whirlwind 95, the highest score ever by a Test match No 11 batsman. Best, in his first Test in nearly three years, faced just 112 balls with a six and 14 fours on Sunday's fourth day. Together with wicketkeeper Denesh Ramdin, who made 107 not out, Best shared a partnership of 143 — the third highest 10th wicket stand in Test history and a West Indies record. And, before Sunday's close, fast bowler Best removed both England captain Andrew Strauss and Jonathan Bairstow. sports@thenational.ae Follow us
