Wisden Trophy 2020 . West Indies Vs England 
Second Test being Played at Etihad Stadium ,Old Trafford , Manchester, England 

Summer rain ruined the entire third days play at Etihad stadium of the second test of the Wisden trophy between host England and tourist West Indies. 

The tourists hold the trophy for winning the last contest at Caribbean ( 2-1) . They are leading the series 1-0 at this stage. England needs taking 19 West Indies wicket over the remaining two days ( provided six sessions of two days is played ) and if possible forcing following on. West Indies scored 32/1 responding to 469/9 declared by England. With a fresh looking English attack and no novice West Indian batting that is going to be a tough ask. If this test peters out as draw West Indies will retain the Wisden Trophy even if England manages a win of the third test. 

In cricket none can make absolutely accurate prediction. What has been seen over the first two days of the gruelling contest of bat and ball that there is plenty of sideways movement , turn and bounce at the wicket. But the second string English attack without Anderson, Archer and Wood is not threatening. The only concern is Don Bess with his spin. But no one would say that he can run through West Indies line up twice in the short time. 

West Indies has seen how grafting and grafting of DP Sibley and BA Stokes . West Indies will need two good partnership of top and middle order initially to get past the following on target and go as close as possible of English score say around 400. That should consume the entire day fourth  and a bit of the fifth. Judging from the way West Indies battled against much superior attack of Anderson , Archer , Wood at Southampton , this is not beyond the capacity of these boys from Caribbean Islands. 

We do not think that ball will reverse as the out field is lash green and bowlers can not use saliva .  There will be plenty of seam movement if sky appears covered with dark cloud . Off course wicket may dry if sun shines assisting. Broad , Woakes , Curran have their works cut out. None of them have possess  express pace . But we must keep in mind that they are playing active cricket after a long time. It is not so easy staring bowling at full steam right from the word go in modern cricket. In this situation Bess will have to lead the attack. Even the occasional spin of Root may prove useful.

England is desperate, West Indies is determined. In such case one can expect intriguing contest of bat and ball on day four and five if full six session is permitted by weather. Meantime there is a news that Jofra Archer has been declared eligible for playing the third test . He has been fined for breaching Bio Security protocol and given a warning. 

BDST: 1213 HRS, JUL 19, 2020
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