Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey

ENG vs WI 3rd Test Preview Dream11 Possible Playing 11 Pitch Report | ENG vs WI 3rd Test Dream11 Prediction Today | England vs West Indies 3rd Test Preview Dream11 | ENG vs WI 3rd Test Key Players | Old Trafford Pitch Report

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It’s been quite the rollercoaster, hasn’t it?

After a superb display in the opening Test, West Indies came crashing back down to earth with a poor performance at Old Trafford. However, take nothing away from England, who, led by the superb Ben Stokes, reliable Stuart Broad and fighting Dom Sibley, levelled the series in style even with a day plus lost to rain.

Now, a series is on the line. The Windies have enjoyed success over England in recent times, so will need to bring that belief to the fore. England, with a series against Pakistan to come, will be looking to gain further points in the World Test Championship. Both sides have improvement in them, but both also have things going for them, which certainly gives this match an unpredictable feel.

Who will take out the series?

Also read: Twitter reactions from the 2nd Test: Full praise for Ben Stokes

Key Players to Watch/Key Stats

• Who other than Ben Stokes? If you thought his 2019 was good, his 2020 is right up there as well. Since the beginning of the year, Stokes is averaging 76.50 with the bat and just 20.29 with the ball.
• His performance at Old Trafford (254 runs, three wickets) is the first time in history that an England player achieved 250+ runs and 3+ wickets in the same Test.
• Now, Stokes is the number one ranked all-rounder in Tests. This has to hurt for Jason Holder, who will be keen for a big game. Despite a quiet game in the second Test (one wicket), Holder still posed a threat. His 61 wickets since the start of 2018 at 15.54 makes him one to watch, as always.
• Kraigg Brathwaite continues to perform well in England. In five Tests in the country, Brathwaite has scored 439 runs at 43.90, with three fifties and a century.
• Dom Sibley showcased his incredible patience in the second Test. His 372-ball 120 was his second career hundred, achieved in his eighth Test. It will be interesting to see if he can back it up with another big effort.
• Joe Root made two starts in the second Test – a picture of his career over the past few years. However, his record at Old Trafford is still superb: Six Tests, 640 runs, avg. 71.11.
• Shamarh Brooks is coming off two half centuries in the second Test (68 and 62). Can he build on it?
• Jermaine Blackwood (55) showed he is capable of producing runs in the second innings, as he did in the first game. However, West Indies’ strong performer was Roston Chase, who took a five-for in the first dig, along with a half century.
• Will James Anderson and Stuart Broad play together for the first time this series? Both have strong records at Old Trafford: Anderson 28 wickets at 21.78 and Broad 24 wickets at 26.16.
• Also, Broad is coming off a superb performance in the second Test (3/66 and 3/42).
• Has Kemar Roach finally turned a corner? After going wicketless for over 60 overs this series, he ended up taking four wickets in the second Test.
• It remains to be seen if Shannon Gabriel will be fit for this Test. If he is, it will be interesting to see how he bounces back after a tough second game.
• Rakheem Cornwall could make a return to the Windies team, and will be one to watch on what is expected to be another dryish pitch.

Stats and Facts

• The trend of high first innings scores at Old Trafford continued. England’s 469/9d was slightly above the average first innings score of the previous five Tests: 425.4.
• England have lost just two Tests at Old Trafford since 2001. Their loss against Australia last year was their first defeat at the ground in 12 Tests.
• Eyes will be on Shai Hope, if he plays. His struggle in Tests has continued. He averages just 19.28 since the start of 2019. Zak Crawley will be keen for a better game, after two failures last match.

Possible Playing 11

With England boasting excellent depth in their seam bowling stocks, they have more key decisions to make in the decider. Head coach Chris Silverwood vows to pick the strongest attack, so does that mean Anderson, Broad and Archer? Also, the head coach has backed Jos Buttler and Dom Bess, which suggests they both could play.

England: 1. Rory Burns, 2. Dominic Sibley, 3. Zak Crawley, 4. Joe Root (c), 5. Ben Stokes, 6. Ollie Pope, 7. Jos Buttler (wk), 8. Dominic Bess, 9. Jofra Archer, 10. Stuart Broad, 11. James Anderson

Shannon Gabriel looked out of sorts in the second Test, after a man-of-the-match display at Southampton. He looked to be struggling physically, which might mean he misses out in this Test. West Indies could look to bring in Rakheem Cornwall, given that the Old Trafford track did provide turn. Also, Windies have a decision to make regarding the out-of-form Shai Hope and John Campbell.

West Indies: 1. John Campbell, 2. Kraigg Brathwaite, 3. Shai Hope, 4. Shamarh Brooks, 5. Roston Chase, 6. Jermaine Blackwood, 7. Shane Dowrich (wk), 8. Jason Holder (c), 9. Rakheem Cornwall/Shannon Gabriel, 10. Alzarri Joseph, 11. Kemar Roach

Old Trafford Manchester Pitch Report and Conditions

This will be the second Test at the ground, four days after the completion of the previous match. Expect the track to be similar to that of the first Test, where it will be key for the teams to use the new ball well. Plus, the dry nature of the pitch will allow spin.

Unfortunately, though, there is a chance of rain throughout the Test, which has the potential to significantly impact the match.

Dream11 Prediction

Looking for more fantasy cricket tips for this match? Check out our special article here.

Option 1:

Option 2:

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Match Prediction

The weather forecast doesn’t look particularly promising, which might result in a draw. However, if you are able to get momentum as a bowling side, you can make great inroads, as England showed last game.

England start this match favourites and look a good pick to win the series.

Thanks for reading!