England crush sorry West Indies to clinch series

LONDON (Reuters) - England crushed West Indies by 58 runs in the third and final one-day international at Edgbaston on Tuesday to clinch the series 2-0.

Coming after their test series win over the Windies it was the perfect fillip for the forthcoming World Twenty20 and Ashes series, though England will have to work much harder for success in those competitions.

The home side piled up 328 for seven after being put in, their third-highest total in a 50-over match and highest against the West Indies, who again looked short on motivation and application.

An 81-run opening stand set England on their way with Ravi Bopara hitting a sharp 49 and captain Andrew Strauss 52.

Wicketkeeper Matt Prior, elevated to number three in place of the injured Kevin Pietersen, grabbed the opportunity with a flashing 87 off 86 balls and he put on 149 with Owais Shah (75).

Both men started steadily but grew in confidence as they scored 55 from five powerplay overs to put England in control.

Wickets fell more quickly after their dismissal but Paul Collingwood's 23 from 14 balls helped complete a daunting score.

It was soon to look even better as West Indies captain Chris Gayle and key batsman Ramnaresh Sarwan fell early and Runako Morton was run out.

BRIEF FLURRY