The final day of the third Test between England and West Indies at Edgbaston was abandoned due to rain, ending any slim hopes the tourists had of a consolation victory.

Persistent rain, which causes the complete washout of the first two days returned and umpires Kumar Dharmasena and Tony Hill, were forced to call off play today at 3.12 p.m.

Tino Best's magnificent 95 - the highest ever score by a Number 11 batsman - and his two wickets late on day four had left West Indies 205 runs ahead heading into the day. However, a draw was always inevitable after rain had ruined most of the Test match.

England were poised to resume their first innings at 221 for five in reply to West Indies’ 426, with Ian Bell unbeaten on 76.

England had already secured the series heading into the match after victories in the opening two Tests at Lord's and Trent Bridge.

The two sides now play a three-match one-day series followed by a single Twenty20 international.