ENG vs WI: 3rd Test Preview – All set for a thrilling finale

We couldn’t have had a better finish to the Test series than this. Playing amidst the coronavirus pandemic in a bio-secure bubble, there were plenty of doubts over the matches actually being played. However, the cricket has survived all that to produce a three-match Test series tied at 1-1. England surged back after losing the opening Test and gained a victory despite one day of the second Test being washed out. Both the teams will be fighting hard to take control of the Wisden Trophy which currently rests with the West Indies.

Match Info

England vs West Indies: 3rd Test – 24th to 28th July

Old Trafford, Manchester (03:30 PM IST)

While the venue is the same as that of the second Test, the match will be played on a different wicket. This wicket is expected to be quicker than the one used before. The ground staff’s real test is likely to be against the weather though. The forecast suggests sunshine on the first day but predicts rain on all four remaining days. Let’s hope that the rain gods will allow us to enjoy this thrilling battle.

Head To Head:

Key Facts To Look Out For:

Team News

England:

The home team fielded a completely fresh pace bowling attack from the first Test. Both James Anderson and Mark Wood were rested while Jofra Archer was excluded for breaking the security protocol. All three pacers who played in the second Test (Stuart Broad, Sam Curran and Chris Woakes) impressed with their performance. The selectors will again have problems of plenty as they have six world-class choices to choose three from. England’s selection issues will hover around their bowling line-up. Their batting order seems well-functioning with the exception of the wicketkeeper Jos Buttler.

West Indies:

West Indies entered the second Test with the same four fast bowlers from the opening game. Shannon Gabriel looked off-colour and failed to take even a single wicket in the Test. Alzarri Joseph was injured in between the Test and he shall be doubtful for this fixture. The Caribbean side is likely to include the off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall after Roston Chase’s success in the second Test. Raymon Reiffer and Chamar Holder are the fast-bowling options if West Indies intent to play with four seam bowlers.

Probable XI