England Vs West Indies

Test Match 2

Date: 16 July, 2020

Venue: Old Trafford, Manchester

 

One of the most beautiful places to play cricket in England is Old Trafford, Manchester.

Pitch Report

Since 2002, the Old Trafford has proved to be a batting paradise for the home team (England). Not just for English batsman, but even the bowlers have used their home condition to their best potential. Records England’s winning streak on this ground since 2002 was put on a hold by the mighty Australians last year. Since 2002, England had won 9 out of 12 matches with 2 draws and one ending as a losing side.

Team Preview

England: England will be keen to bring back their experienced Stuart Broad and leaving out Mark Wood will be an ideal option. If England bowls first, all the three pacers (Anderson, Broad and Archer) will be their key bowlers. However, there is a possibility that Archer would be more troublemaker for the West Indies squad as they surely would be better prepared against the duo of Anderson and Broad. Joe Root will be back and bat at number four position. Joe Denly must need to pull up his socks as there is a high possibility of him getting replaced soon.

Expected XI

1) Rory Burns

2) Dominic Sibly

3) Joe Denly / Zak Crawley

4) Joe Root

5) Ben Stokes (C)

6) Ollie Pope

7) Jos Buttler (WK)

8) Dominic Bess

9) Jofra Archer

10) Stuart Broad

11) James Anderson

West Indies: The West Indies team will again be depending on their bowling department. The team’s batting appears to be weak in front of the experienced England batsmen. Kemar Roach who was off-colour in the first test might be dangerous on this ground. We expect Roach to get Burns wicket early in both the innings. Alzaari Joseph would be crucial on this wicket. Overall, we are expecting the test match to end in a draw.

Expected XI

1) Kraigg Braithwaite

2) John Campbell

3) Shai Hope

4) Shamarh Brooks

5) Roston Chase

6) Jermaine Blackwood / Nkrumah Bonner

7) Shane Dowrich (WK)

8) Jason Holder (C)

9) Kemar Roach

10) Alzaari Joseph / Raymon Reifer

11) Shanon Gabriel

 

Our Fantasy Cricket Team choice:

Batsmen

1) Dominic Sibly

2) Shamarh Brooks

3) Joe Root

All Rounder

1) Ben Stokes

2) Jason Holder

3) Roston Chase

Bowlers

1) Jofra Archer

2) Kemar Roach

3) Alzaari Joseph / Raymon Reifer

4) Stuart Broad

Wicketkeeper

1) Shai Hope

- Written by Harshit Aggarwal (@HarshitChesser)