Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
West Indies vs England 3rd Test Preview Dream11. WI vs ENG 3rd Test Preview Dream11 Prediction
Let’s hold a minute silence for the death of “Total Cricket”.
Gone too soon, Total Cricket had all associated with England Cricket excited about the big year ahead. They were widely expected to beat West Indies, en route to big World Cup and Ashes campaigns, but it has been an awful start to 2019. They have been outfought, outclassed and outplayed in the first two Tests.
However, no credit can be taken away from West Indies. They have played their cricket with belief, energy and enthusiasm, completely blowing their opponents away to keep their strong home record against England intact. Jason Holder, controversially, and perhaps stupidly, is suspended from this Test, but a whitewash opportunity awaits. Can the Windies do it?
Key to a West Indies win
The Windies fast bowlers will be licking their lips, with the St. Lucia pitch expected to be the quickest of the series. Shannon Gabriel took a 13-wicket haul against Sri Lanka at the Darren Sammy Stadium last year, and he will be a key figure in the absence of Jason Holder. Alongside the in-form Kemar Roach, the Windies will be looking for more inroads into an England side looking to hit their way out of trouble. Can the brave Alzarri Joseph play another starring role? What about the man brought in for Jason Holder – either Keemo Paul or Oshane Thomas?
Also, the Windies batsmen displayed much more fight than their opponents in the second Test, willing to bat patiently in difficult conditions. More of the same is required from the top five in what could be challenging conditions again, with stand-in skipper Kraigg Brathwaite and last-game centurion Darren Bravo two key players in holding the innings together. Can the Windies keep England working in the field again? What platform can they set for the likes of Shimron Hetmyer and Roston Chase?
Key to an England win
Conditions have been challenging, but England’s lack of technique and fight has been alarming. While the Windies fought their way out of trouble, England looked to hit out of theirs, so much so that Jonny Bairstow admitted it in the second Test. The onus is on the batsmen to show more fight, and with Ben Foakes left out and Ben Stokes under an injury cloud, a big top order effort is crucial. Can they put aside white-ball technique and show some temperament?
Also, can England get an early shot and effectively target a Jason Holder-less West Indies middle order? James Anderson and Stuart Broad posed honest questions throughout their long spells in Antigua, and will be key in making inroads at the top. However, what support can the change bowlers provide? Ben Stokes is under an injury cloud, which could mean Sam Curran gets another go, despite his underwhelming bowling this series. Can he deliver this time, along with the likes of Moeen Ali to keep the pressure on the Windies?
Possible Playing 11
Jason Holder is out for West Indies, with either Keemo Paul or Oshane Thomas said to be a chance to play. Kraigg Brathwaite will lead the side.
West Indies: 1. Kraigg Brathwaite (c), 2. John Campbell, 3. Darren Bravo, 4. Shai Hope, 5. Shimron Hetmyer, 6. Roston Chase, 7. Shane Dowrich (wk), 8. Keemo Paul/Oshane Thomas, 9. Alzarri Joseph, 10. Kemar Roach, 11. Shannon Gabriel
Ben Foakes has been dropped for England, and unbelievably, Keaton Jennings is set for a recall. He could bat at three, with Jonny Bairstow to move to five. Also, Ben Stokes is in doubt with a heel injury, in which Sam Curran could be picked. Mark Wood is also said to be in-line for a recall.
England: 1. Rory Burns, 2. Joe Denly, 3. Keaton Jennings, 4. Joe Root (c), 5. Jonny Bairstow (wk), 6. Ben Stokes/Sam Curran, 7. Jos Buttler, 8. Moeen Ali, 9. Stuart Broad, 10. Mark Wood, 11. James Anderson
Dream11 Prediction
Stats and Facts
- This will be England’s first Test match at Darren Sammy Stadium in St. Lucia.
- West Indies have kept alive their record of no series losses to England at home since 2004.
- West Indies’ last whitewash of three matches or more came against England in 1985-86.
Match Prediction
No Jason Holder for the Windies, and England look a mess. However, I am umming and ahhing over this one, as it can go either way.
With Jason Holder missing, England have an opening, and I will pick them to finish the series off with a win. England to salvage pride and win.
Thanks for reading!
West Indies vs England 3rd Test Preview Dream11. WI vs ENG 3rd Test Preview Dream11 Prediction