England remove Gayle before rain stops play

LEEDS, England, May 28 (Reuters) England claimed the wicket of West Indies opener Chris Gayle on the fourth morning of the second test at Headingley today, before rain stopped play after just four overs with the tourists on 31 for three.

Resuming their second innings on 22-2, the West Indies lost Gayle in the third over of the day when he was caught by wicketkeeper Matt Prior, diving in front of first slip, off Liam Plunkett for 13.

The tourists are following-on after being dismissed for 146 in reply to England's 570 for seven declared, and with injured Ramnaresh Sarwan expected to sit out the remainder of the match, the tourists need just six more wickets to secure victory.

Devon Smith (4), who drove an elegant boundary through the covers off Ryan Sidebottom in the second over of the day, and Sylvester Joseph (0) were the not out batsmen when the players came off.

The entire third day was rained off yesterday.

The first test of the four-match series ended in a draw at Lord's last week.

REUTERS TB ND1814