Joe Root out for a DUCK as England lose two early wickets in the third Test against West Indies

England got off to a shaky start in the opening session of the third and final Test against West Indies on Thursday, with Zak Crawley and captain Joe Root both out off the bowling of Kyle Mayers.

Having been put in to bat by hosts’ captain Kraigg Braithwaite, Crawley and Alex Lees nearly got through a low-scoring first hour before the Kent opener was out caught by Braithwaite attempting a trademark cover drive.

Then, following the drinks break, the in-form Root became Mayers’ second victim, out for a nine-ball duck as he edged behind to Joshua Da Silva. 

England captain Joe Root looked after being caught behind for a duck off Kyle Mayers

Mayers celebrates after claiming the prize scalp of the England captain before lunch

The early wickets vindicated Braithwaite’s decision to bowl first on a morning that offered plenty of movement for West Indies’ seamers. 

Lees played and missed several times before an unsually sedate Crawley was eventually tempted by the hosts’ plan of bowling wide outside off stump to lure him into an attacking shot. 

Dan Lawrence joined Lees at the crease after Joe Root’s wicket with England 29-2 as look to build a competitive first-innings total in the series decider. 

England have made just one change, with seamer Craig Overton coming back in for Matthew Fisher.

Zak Crawley trudges back to the pavilion after being caught off the bowling of Mayers

Mayers celebrates after making the breakthrough on the first morning of the third Test