England got their act together in the second test match after being humiliated at the Rose Bowl and put on an all-round performance to outplay West Indies in all the game departments.
While Jofra Archer was left out just a few hours before the toss and England was forced to go into the game with a completely new-look bowling attack, the hosts stayed in the driving seat for all five days.
West Indies were not consistent enough with the ball and while they showed some battle with the bat, surviving on a deteriorating pitch with inconsistent bounce was always going to be very difficult for them.
West Indies were not consistent enough with the ball and while they showed some battle with the bat, surviving on a deteriorating pitch with inconsistent bounce was always going to be very difficult for them.
The two teams will stay in Manchester for the third Test because it will take place on the same ground where the second Test was held. The England Cricket Board (ECB) has selected The Rose Bowl and the Old Trafford as the only two venues where all the six Test matches will be played this summer in England.
Weather
The weather estimate for the game is not perfect as there are chances of heavy rain from day two onwards. A full-day play on day 1 is expected, but on day 2 there is a 90& chance of precipitation.
The precipitation is down to 50% on day 3 and day 4 and 40% on day 5, which is marginally better than day 2, but this is still not great news.
Currently, the forecast indicates that the rain will take a substantial amount of time out of the game.
Pitch
For the entire period of the second test, the Old Trafford pitch gave quite a bit of support to the fast bowlers. Whoever placed the ball in the right areas was getting something out of the air.
Yet again, the pitch could benefit the fast bowlers for the third test, and neither of the two teams should worry about it as both of them have a quick bowling attack of consistency at their disposal.
Probable Playing XIs:
England
Joe Root (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Zak Crawley, Rory Burns, Ben Stokes, Dominic Sibley, Chris Woakes, Dom Bess, Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad, James Anderson
West Indies
Jason Holder (c), Shane Dowrich (wk), Shai Hope, Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Jermaine Blackwood, John Campbell, Kraigg Brathwaite, Kemar Roach, Raymon Reifer, Shannon Gabriel
England vs West Indies 3rd Test DREAM 11:
Rory Burns (c), Shane Dowrich (wk), Ollie Pope, Kraig Braithwaite, Roston Chase, Raymon Riefer, Ben Stokes, Stuart Broad, Kemar Roach, Jofra Archer, James Anderson
In fast bowler-friendly conditions, West Indies have the tools to bowl the opposition twice. Still, England seems a more balanced side and the way they won in the second test, and they are undoubtedly the favourites in the series decision-maker.
The expectation is that England will take the 3rd Test and win the series 2-1. Don’t miss your chance to bet at baji.live now!
