The three tests Wisden Trophy Test series between England and West Indies after 4 months forced CORONA break is now locked 1-1.
Tourists shocked the hosts at Rose Bowl at Southampton by 4 wickets. The English lions roared back in vengeance at Emirates Stadium, Old Trafford trouncing the tourists by 113 runs. The third and final test starts at the same venue on Friday 24 July 2020. The cricket played so far indicates of seesaw battle and mouth watering contest. On paper host England may appear as favorite but young and spirited West Indies have shown lot of fight. The team holding the nerves and retaining the composure would wrap up the series. Great to see that test cricket has returned with its glorious uncertainty and usual nerve wrecking excitements.
England would be in sweet dilemma in setting their bowling attack. All their front line pace bowlers appeared good enough for getting wickets. Jofra Archer would definitely return. English selectors would also like to get back Anderson Broad Combination. In that case Wood, Cuuran and Woakes may have to sit out. Champion Ben Stokes has overworked with bat and bowl over the two tests. England would not dare resting him as his batting is essential asset for the team at the moment. But he may not bowl. England may review the spinning bowling option as DM Bess did not appear to exploit the turn of Old Trafford wicket. English batting will loose depth if Woakes and Cuuran are replaced specially in the lower middle order.
England (Probable Team):
James Anderson, Jofra Archer, Dominic Bess, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, , Ollie Pope, , Joe Root, Dom Sibley, Ben Stokes.
The state of West Indies Innings is different. Both Ajari Josef and Shanon Gabriel struggled with fitness at Old Trafford. We are not sure West Indies would try to bring in less Experienced Chemar Holder for a very crucial test match. Back to back test matches create too much stress for the pace bowlers. However, West Indies must be pleased with the wicket taking form of Khemar Roach. Old Trafford wicket had lot of turn which Roston Chase reaped. It will not be bad trying tall spinner Rahkeem Cornwall pairing with Chase. If West Indies decides playing two spinners together that will give them added advantage. In that case Jason Holder will need bowling longer spells as third seam bowler.
As far as batting is concerned Brathwaite, Campbell, Brooks, Chase, Dorwich all played at least one good innings. Only Shai Hope did not any innings of substance till now.
West Indies (Probable Team):
Jason Holder (C), Kraigg Brathwaite, Shai Hope, Shane Dowrich, Roston Chase, Shemarh Brooks, Rahkeem Cornwall, Alzarri Joseph/ Chemar Holder, John Campbell, Kemar Roach, Jermaine Blackwood.
The weather forecast is not very bright.Rain is expected to interrupt like the first two tests. The decisions of Ben Stokes and Jason Holder after winning toss of the first and second test were bitterly criticized. The toss at Old Trafford final test is also very important. From the experience of the second test winning captain must avoid batting on day five wearing track chasing any target.
In any case neither team will like to lose. A drawn match will also serve the purpose of West Indies for retaining the trophy .But English must win to overturn. England has also to bear in mind the prospect of another important series against stronger opposition Pakistan coming up soon. They can not risk injury of their top guns through excessive stress.
BDST: 1313 HRS, JUL 22, 2020
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