WI vs ENG: 5 players to watch out for in Test series
England embarks on their next Test assignment against the West Indies on the back of an underwhelming 0-4 Ashes loss to Australia. However, Joe Root and his men would have put that behind them as they look towards making progress with a new-look side. The home team, West Indies, are in transition as a Test team. They have performed well in parts over the last few years and would want to strengthen their standing in the current World Test Championship cycle.
Here are five players to watch out for in WI vs Eng Test Series
Zak Crawley
Zak Crawley is one of the many opening batters that England have tried in the recent past. Crawley has looked impressive in a few of his outings while looking mediocre in the rest. However, the tall standing batter, in the recently concluded Ashes series, showed some exquisite stroke play against a top bowling attack. England would be banking on Crawley to be their mainstay at the top and convert his potential into consistent performances.
Saqib Mahmood
The English management and selectors are wanting to try out their fast-bowling bench strength. Saqib Mahmood is one such bowler who has grabbed the attention of many experts and pundits on the back of his ability to bowl quick. The right-arm fast bowler is being looked at as one of the brighter stars in England’s next generation of fast bowlers and he would be itching to prove his admirers right.
Kyle Mayers
Kyle Mayers scored 210* on his debut against Bangladesh to win his team an unlikely game. The left-handed batter possesses the game to shine at the big stage. He is solid in defence and equally good with his strokeplay. However, his performances have dipped a little in the last few games and West Indies would be counting on him to take greater responsibility and be a solid contributor coming in the middle order.
Jonny Bairstow
Jonny Bairstow with his defiant Ashes century against Australia in the only Test that his team managed to not lose has reiterated his ability with the bat. He has been in and out of the team owing to his inconsistency but would be raring to find his best on the back of some newly found confidence and mojo. With a lot of inexperience in the English batting lineup, Joe Root would be relying on the senior batter to come good and form the core. Bairstow is a proven performer and can win games singlehandedly.
Jason Holder
Former West Indies Captain, Jason Holder, is arguably the best all-rounder in the game currently. He is one of those cricketers who likes to give it his all. He is potent with the ball and equally talented with the bat. On England’s last Test tour to West Indies, Holder was instrumental in his team’s success and would want to repeat his heroics as a senior member of the side.
