England`s openers were routed after fast bowler Gus Atkinson seized the initiative from the West Indies on a lively first day Friday of the third test at Edgbaston. With a series win, and the Richards-Botham Trophy already in the bag, England was positioned to push for a 3-0 clean sweep after bowling out the tourists for an under-par 282. Atkinson took 4-67 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 innings changeover, as England hopes of establishing a position of dominance came undone in an eight-over spell that left them 38-3 at stumps. Jayden Seales and Alzarri Joseph dismissed openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett with consecutive deliveries and Mark Wood failed his test as the nightwatchman, caught behind for a duck off Seales. Thirteen wickets fell on the day. 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. Captain 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 was just beginning to wonder how it might gain a foothold in the game when Atkinson secured one.