England has bounced back stronger than ever in the second test. All thanks to Ben Stokes’ brilliance with both the bat and ball.
West Indies was out played by England in all the departments during the second test. Despite Archer being left out just 2 hours ago, England's Sam Curran made an impressive return to the squad.
The third test between England and West Indies will again be played at Old Trafford, Manchester. England has decided that they will only play on 2 venues for six tests that are going to take place this English summer.
Pitch Report and Weather conditions
The pitch in the second test helped fast bowlers throughout the five days. Whoever put the ball in the right area got the results.
In the third test again, it is likely to help the fast bowlers.
Weather for the third test is not looking that good. It is predicted that there will be a 90% rainfall on second day of test match. The predicted rainfall percent for Day 3 and Day 4 are 50% and on Day 5 a 40%chance of rain is there. The weather department has said that rain will take considerable amount of time in third test.
Team news
England
Anderson and Archer are returning to squad for the final test. This means that Sam Curran is likely to sit out . Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes displayed a good game in the second test. It will be interesting to see to who gets the cut in the final playing XI. Broad with his experience might get a nod ahead of Woakes.
Predicted XI: Rory Burns, Dominic Sibley, Zak Crawley, Joe Root (C), Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler (WK), Dom Bess, Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad, James Anderson
Team news
West Indies
West Indies are likely to replace Alzarri Joesph for the third test. He did not had a great outing during the second test. Left arm pacer Raymond Reifer might get in the squad who got 6 wickets in the practice game. With a left arm seamer, it might bring a new dynamic in the West Indies bowling line up.
Shai Hope's form is a concern for West Indies, but they will back their best player who is going through a rough period.
Predicted XI: Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Shai Hope, Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Jermaine Blackwood, Shane Dowrich (WK), Jason Holder (C), Kemar Roach, Raymon Reifer, Shannon Gabriel
Key players
England
Ben Stokes
James Anderson
West Indies
Jason Holder
Jermaine Blackwood
Head to Head
Played – 159
Won by England – 50
Won by West Indies – 58
Drawn – 51
