NOTTINGHAM: England were on the verge of clinching the three-match series against West Indies after the tourists' top order failed again on the third day of the second test at Trent Bridge on Sunday.

Trailing by 58 on first innings, the West Indies limped to 61 for six, a lead of just three runs with two days left. England captain Andrew Strauss with 141 and a useful partnership of 53 by all-rounders Tim Bresnan (39 not out) and Stuart Broad (25) had lifted England past the West Indies first- innings score of 370.

Although the final total of 428 was much less than seemed likely at the close on Saturday with Strauss and Kevin Pietersen at the crease it proved too stiff a challenge for the touring side missing the experienced Chris Gayle at the top of the order.

Jimmy Anderson struck early to dismiss openers Adrian Barath (7) and Kieran Powell (1) before Broad captured the prized wicket of Shivnarine Chanderpaul for 11, top-edging a pull and caught on the boundary by Jonathan Trott.

Bresnan trapped Darren Bravo (22), Denesh Ramdin (6) and Kirk Edwards second ball for nought, all out lbw, to leave the tourists in disarray.

Marlon Samuels and Darren Sammy, who both scored centuries in the first innings, were the not out batsmen at the close. Bresnan ended with figures of three for 10 in six overs, cementing his talisman status for England as he has won all 12 test matches he has played.

England lead the three-match series 1-0 after a five-wicket victory at Lord's in the first test.