In a heart-thumping 1st Test match, Jermaine Blackwood’s pertinacious 95 and Gabriel’s 5-wicket haul led West Indies to their first win in the 3 match series against England. By winning this match, they have the opportunity to win a Test series in England, which they have not achieved since 1988. The 2nd Test match will be a deciding one as both teams will look forward to making the history.
The 1st Test match exposed England’s weak batting side, unable to give the team a strong start. Also, this game showed how impressive the West Indies’ fast-bowling line-up is. For both the teams, it’s the batting department which is yet to deliver an impactful performance.
One of the criticisms West Indies team has faced is their inability to back-up one good performance with another. Will they be able to clear this criticism?
The England team might see major changes considering the regular captain’s comeback. However, it will be interesting to see who will be in the playing eleven. The West Indies team is less likely to see any major changes in the playing eleven. The only change West Indies could look forward to is bringing Rakheem Cornwell, likely for Alzzari Joseph.
Fantasy Cricket prediction:
Joe Root will be joining the England team for the 2nd Test at Old Trafford Stadium, replacing Joe Denly from playing eleven. With Joe Root’s comeback, England will hope for a better comeback with the bat.
Jason Holder (WI), who took his career-best figures (6-42) in the 1st innings and Ben Stokes (ENG) claimed 6 wickets and scored 89 runs, are no-brainers in the all-rounder’s department.
The man of the match, Shannon Gabriel (WI), with 9-137 in the first Test, and Kemar Roach have high hopes in the next game.
One of the players who played a crucial role in the West Indies’ win is Jermaine Blackwood, scoring solid 95 in the 2nd innings.
Rory Burns (30 and 42), Dom Sibley (50), Kraigg Brathwaite (4 & 65), Zak Crawly (10 & 76), and Roston Chase (47, 37, & 2 wickets) got a sustainable start in the first Test. Shane Dowrich (61, 20 & six catches) also had stable outings.
Both Alzzari Joseph and Jofra Archer (3 – 45) bowled brilliantly in the last match.
Stuard Broad might replace Mark Wood in the side. James Anderson is likely to be rested for the next game.
John Campbell(WI) suffered a toe injury during the 2nd innings. However, it is likely that he will be featured in the playing eleven.
Pitch report and weather prediction:
The pitch at Old Trafford has proved to be good for the team batting first. However, its pace has always kept the fast bowlers interested. First innings runs are the key in Manchester as batting continues to get difficult as the game goes on.
The last three games have all been won by sides batting first. Overall, 30 games out of 79 have been won by the sides batting first.
The weather forecast says, there is a chance of some showers on day one, but hopefully not enough to impact the gameplay. Also, players will be greeted by sunshine on all four days.
Average 1st innings score: 333 [ In 79 Tests played at the venue]
Stats:
Top Scorer(s):
Jermaine Blackwood (BAT) (WI)- 107 runs,
Ben Stokes (ALLR) (ENG) – 89 runs
Top Wicket-taker(s):
Shannon Gabriel (BWL) (WI) – 9 wickets,
Jason Holder (ALLR) (WI) – 7 wickets
Top fantasy points scorers
| Player | Position | Avg. FPs | |
| England | Ben Stokes | ALLR | 250 |
| Jofra Archer | BWL | 110 | |
| Zak Crawley | BAT | 109 | |
| James Anderson | BWL | 109 | |
| West Indies | Shannon Gabriel | BWL | 223 |
| Jason Holder | ALLR | 198 | |
| Shane Dowrich | WK | 163 | |
| Jermaine Blackwood | BAT | 134 |
Captain picks: Ben Stokes (ALLR) (ENG), Shannon Gabriel (BWL) (WI), and Jason Holder (ALLR) (WI)
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