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England’s top order suffered a late wobble after Gus Atkinson seized the initiative from the West Indies on a lively first day of the third Test at Edgbaston.
With a series win, and the Richards-Botham Trophy already in the bag, England positioned themselves to push for a 3-0 clean sweep after bowling out the tourists for an under-par 282.
Atkinson took four for 67 as he continued to impress on the big stage, bowling with heat and heart as he manufactured openings on a true pitch, while there were three wickets for the subtler skills of Chris Woakes.
But ball continued to get the better of bat after the changeover, as England’s hopes of establishing a position of dominance came undone in an eight-over spell that left them 38 for three at stumps.
Jayden Seales and Alzarri Joseph dismissed openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett with consecutive deliveries before Mark Wood’s failed his test as nightwatcher, caught behind for a duck off Seales. That left work to do after a day that saw 13 wickets fall and the game moving forward with haste.
The West Indies, outclassed at Lord’s and outlasted at Trent Bridge, got the better of the initial exchanges, winning the toss and posting the biggest opening partnership of the series.
Between them Kraigg Brathwaite and Mikyle Louis put on 76 in just under 22 overs, despite some handy swing for the English bowlers. On a flat deck, England were just beginning to wonder how they might gain a foothold in the game when Atkinson secured one.
Hanging in the channel just outside off stump at good speed he got one to nip slightly away, taking Louis’ edge as he pushed tentatively. Kirk McKenzie was next up, willing but unable to reverse a dire sequence of scores at number three. His knock of 12 was both his best of the tour and further evidence that the 23-year-old has been over-promoted at this stage of his career.
Dismissals do not come for comprehensive than his, Wood detonating his middle stump at high speed as he left a tell-tale gap between bat and pad.
The West Indies still had a chance of ending the first session with honours even but gave up their claim when Alick Athanaze dragged down his own stumps off the final ball before lunch, Atkinson benefiting from a short one that kept low.
At 97 for three England were well on the way and things continued falling into place when the man responsible for almost two thirds of those runs gave way. Brathwaite’s dogged stay ended when he gloved Wood down leg for 61, concluding an extended examination around the hip and ribs.
When Kavem Hodge, scorer of a fine century in Nottingham last week, lost his off stump to Woakes without playing a shot there seemed no way back from losing five for 39. Step forward Jason Holder (59) and Josh Da Silva (49).
Both men have Test best scores against England and, after each survived lbw reviews in single figures, they set about rebuilding the innings. They kept the hosts at bay until tea, playing with due care and attention before taking a liking to Shoaib Bashir.
The 20-year-old spinner enjoyed a memorable finish to the second Test, scooping up a five-for as the West Indies crumbled on the fourth evening, but there was precious little to work with on day one here and he leaked boundaries at a rapid rate.
England needed to part the two batters to get back on top and Woakes finally tempted Da Silva out of his comfort zone, seaming one away as the batter followed a lost cause and nicked off for 49.
Alzarri Joseph somehow lasted 31 balls before plonking Woakes to mid-off but it was Holder’s demise that effectively ended the resistance. Atkinson had kept his pace up throughout his various spells and saw the dividend when he tossed one up at off stump at a lively clip.
Holder thought he could work the ball through mid-wicket but was a fraction late as Atkinson took out off stump. The Surrey paceman also had too much heat for Gudakesh Motie, who flapped nervily at a bouncer and was well caught by Joe Root. Stepping in behind Smith, Root kept an eagle eye on the ball as it looped over the keeper.
Bashir then wrapped things up when Shamar Joseph holed out, leaving England a seemingly straightforward mini-session at the close.
That turned into something more taxing as Crawley chased a teaser, Duckett played on and Wood got a fine edge to Holder outside off. Root and Ollie Pope ensured no further drama and will resume 244 behind.
