After an exciting match win in the 1st test, Windies crashed the 2nd test with poor performance at Old Trafford. With Ben Stokes’ exquisite all-round performance(254 runs & 3 wickets) and Stuart Broad’s solid bowling (6 – 108), England team won the 2nd match and leveled the series at 1 – 1.
England dominated the game in all departments in the 2nd test after the crucial loss at Southampton. Their bowling team halted the Windies effectively, which further boosted the confidence of the host. The visitors were inconsistent with the ball; however, they did try to put up a fight with the bat.
West Indies are expected to make some changes after their mediocre performance in the 2nd test. On the other hand, the England team got their act in place under the captaincy of Joe Root and is expected to field the same team.
Windies bowling definitely has an ability to bowl-out the opposition but they will need to come up with a plan to limit Root’s men to a low total. The English side looks well balanced after the convincing victory earlier at Old Trafford. The decider is definitely going to be an exciting one as both teams wish to dominate the other in this age-old rivalry.
Fantasy Cricket prediction:
Ben Stokes will be the key player to watch for in the final match. He has shown an excellent performance in both the previous matches and the same is expected in the last match as well.
Dominic Sibley, the English opener showcased his batting skills scoring 120 runs. This was his 2nd career hundred. It will be interesting to see if he can back it up with another big effort. Dom Bess also played an important role in England’s win.
It is highly likely that Stuart Broad (6 – 108) and Chris Woakes (5 -76) will retain their places in the playing XI. If this happens, Ollie Pope might be dropped from the team.
Roston Chase proved himself as a key player in the game by taking 5 wickets. Sharmarh Brooks scored two half-centuries(68 & 62) in both innings. He is coming off well and has increased hopes for the last game.
Jermaine Blackwood delivered a match-winning performance in the 1st test and kept a similar pace in the 2nd test as well. He has shown his ability to score well in 2nd innings (in both tests).
Kraigg Brathwaite has consistently performed well and is expected to keep this consistency in the last match. Keamer Roach finally took 4 wickets in the 2nd match after showing dull performance in the 1st one.
Shannon Gabriel’s fitness is still doubtful. If he joins the team, it will be interesting to see how he bounces back after this tough second match. Rakheem Cornwall could make a return to the playing XI.
Pitch report and weather prediction:
Old Trafford favored fast bowlers in the second test. Therefore, it is certain that this match’s outcome will be determined by the fast bowlers. It must also be noted that the pitch favors spinners on the last day. This is where both teams would want to keep their focus as this might become the x-factor for the match.
Unfortunately, rains are expected throughout the match, which can impact the gameplay. The weather forecast doesn’t look particularly promising, which might result in a draw. However, if any of the team is able to get momentum as a bowling side, it can make great inroads, as England showed last game.
Stats:
1st Test match result – WI won by 4 wickets
2nd Test match result – Eng won by 113 runs
Top Scorer(s):
Ben Stokes (ALLR) (ENG)- 254 runs
Sharmarh Brooks (BAT) (ENG) – 130 runs
Top Wicket-taker(s):
Stuart Broad (BWL) (ENG)- 6 – wickets
Chris Woakes (ALLR) (ENG) – 5 wickets
Roston Chase (ALLR) (WI) – 5 wickets
Top fantasy points scorers
| Player | Position | Avg. FPs | |
| England | Ben Stokes | ALLR | 324 |
| Stuart Broad | BWL | 155 | |
| Dominic Sibley | BAT | 105 | |
| Dom Bess | BWL | 95.5 | |
| West Indies | Roston Chase | ALLR | 166 |
| Sharmarh Brooks | BAT | 108.5 | |
| Kraigg Brathwaite | BAT | 103.5 | |
| Shannon Gabriel | BWL | 113 |
Captain picks:
Ben Stokes (ALLR) (ENG), Roston Chase (ALLR) (WI) and Sharmarh Brooks (BAT) (WI)