England vs West Indies, 2nd Test, Preview – Brits look up to Joe Root boost for redemption

They also need to solve the Stuart Broad conundrum after England’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests was left out for the Southampton Test.

Published - 14 Jul 2020, 15:21 IST | Updated - 14 Jul 2020, 15:21 IST

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England would have least expected the start against the number 8 ranked West Indies that they eventually got off to. Losing the Southampton Test by four wickets, the Brits are staring down the barrel going into the second Test, starting Thursday, July 16 at the Old Trafford in Manchester.

At a time when the Caribbeans were reduced to 27 for three, chasing 200, the hosts would have smelt blood. Then when Jofra Archer bounced out Roston Chase with a snorter, Ben Stokes and Co would have fancied their chances. But from there on, things went pear-shaped for the home team.

Needless to say, that the Three Lions need an outright victory to have any hopes of retaining the Wisden Trophy. They also need to solve the Stuart Broad conundrum after England’s second-highest wicket-taker in Tests was left out. For the Caribbeans, the victory is expected to be a morale booster.

Generally known for their flamboyant style of batting, the visitors showed a great temperament. Despite having moments of jitters, Jason Holder and Co managed to go over the line on the fifth day. It remains to be seen if they can carry forward their momentum and seal the series or not.

Playing Combinations

England

The defeat is expected to ring alarm bells in the Three Lions’ camp. Even as Joe Root’s return is almost certain, England may have a choice to make between Joe Denly and Zak Crawley, who got a 76 in the second innings. Denly is the more experienced of the two, but hasn’t quite made justice to his potential. Even Michael Vaughan has called for his exclusion from the eleven.

Broad’s exclusion gave rise to an uproar. Hence, it won’t be a surprise if he finds his way back into the eleven. If that happens then the axe is likely to come down on Mark Wood, the least successful pacer for the Brits in the last game. Ollie Pope didn’t have a great outing last time and he would be keen to make amends. Dom Bess should be retaining his spot as the lone spinner.

Predicted XI– Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, Joe Root (C), Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (wk), Chris Woakes, Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad, Dom Bess

West Indies

The Caribbean team may not wish to tinker with their winning combination. There are slight concerns over Kemar Roach, who went wicketless at the Rose Bowl. But bearing in mind his experience and calibre, he is expected to stage a comeback. Shannon Gabriel came on the tour as a reserve player, but his nine wickets in the previous Test would give him a lot of confidence.

Shai Hope, one of their more reliable batsmen, got out cheaply both times. He has some catching-up to do. Jermaine Blackwood would also wish to carry on from where he left. Holder did his bit as well, churning out his career best figures and seeing his team through to the win, staying unbeaten. The onus will also be on the rest of the players to chip in and keep England in check.

Predicted XI– Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Shai Hope, Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Jermaine Blackwood, Shane Dowrich (wk), Jason Holder (c), Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph.