After two very competitive Test match, it’s all to play for in the decider at Old Trafford. The Third Test between England and West Indies will once again be played at Old Trafford in Manchester.
After losing the first match the England Lions bounced back in style and in the end, won the match comprehensively. Their talisman all-rounder Ben Stokes once again produced a match-winning performance and contributed with both bat and ball.
In the first innings, Stokes was ably supported by opener Dominic Sibley who scored his first Test hundred on home soil. On his comeback, Stuart Broad once again proved why he should always feature in the starting 11 of a Test match.
West Indies, on the other hand, would be disappointed as they failed to draw the Test even after having an entire day being washed off due to rain. Their batting line-up crumbled under pressure and apart from Roston Chase and Blackwood, no one looked at ease.
Pitch Report
The second Test assisted the spinners from the very first day. However, the third Test will be played at a new strip which has a covering of grass on it. The weather at Manchester is expected to be cloudy throughout the Test which will excite the fast bowlers.
Team Updates
England Coach Chris Silverwood has hinted that they might rest Ben Stokes rest for the deciding encounter. The home side is looking to give Stokes some break after his workload in the first two Test match. The head coach of England stated that the management is going to consider rotating their star all-rounder in the third Test.
It will be interesting to see who will replace Stokes in the match. England coach has already pointed out that Jos Buttler will keep his spot in the third Test even after being poor with the bat in the series.
West Indies, on the other hand, may look to include Rahkeem Cornwall, who will give them depth in the batting department as well as bowl handy off-spinners. The pressure is also mounting on out-of-form Shai Hope as this Test could be his last chance to represent West Indies in red-ball cricket for a while.
England vs West Indies Fantasy Tips
First of all, it is important to select a team. As they say in cricket, you don’t score any runs in the dressing room. Similarly, a player who is not playing cannot score points for you.
Dream 11 has made a change in its rule by which you can alter your team even after the toss. Thus, you can pick your team according to the playing XI of both sides.
Predicted Playing XI
England: Rory Burns, Dominic Sibley, Joe Root ©, Zak Crawley, Ben Stokes/Joe Denly, Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler (wk), Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, Dom Bess, Jofra Archer/ Mark Wood.
West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Shamarh Brooks, Shai Hope, Jermaine Blackwood, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich (wk), Jason, Holder ©, Rakheem Cornwall/Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel.
Injury Update
No official injury issue for both the sides and they will be looking to field their strongest possible 11 in the Test match. Ben Stokes may be resting in the Test match and Joe Denly might get another chance.
Key Players
England:
Joe Root: If Ben Stokes Misses out in the Third Test then the onus would be on captain Joe Root to inspire his side. Root who missed the first Test looked rusty in the second Test and will be looking to covert his starts and make a big one.
Stuart Broad: The legendary fast bowler proved his critics wrong and bowled beautifully in the second game. Broad currently has 491 Test wickets and will be hoping to make it 500 in the series decider.
Jos Buttler: The Wicketkeeper-batsman will also be hoping to contribute with the bat in the third Test. Buttler scored a 400 odd in the first innings but never looked comfortable and was dismissed for a duck in the second innings.
West Indies:
Jermaine Blackwood: The hero of the first Test win for West Indies will be hoping to lead from the front again with the bat. Blackwood scored a gritty half-century again in the 4th innings of the second Test and has so far looked the best batsman for his side.
Jason Holder: After a disappointing second Test will be looking to get back on track and perform with both bat and ball. Holder lost his number 1 all-rounder to Ben Stokes will be looking to prove a point in the all-important clash.
Match Prediction
Even without Ben Stokes, England are the overwhelming favourites to win the Test series. It will take something very special from the West Indies to win the third Test and pull off a miracle.
England vs West Indies Dream 11 Team
