England vs West Indies 2020, 3rd Test: Match Preview

The third test starts tomorrow at the same venue where the last test was played. What’s in store at Old Trafford, Manchester concerning pitch conditions we will come to know in less than 24 hours. The series will be remembered for long irrespective of who wins or losses.

The first series post-pandemic lockdown played in the biosecure environment without crowds. Can’t imagine how players have motivated themselves. The thing that that stood out has been the intensity shown which has been visible in the quality of cricket displayed by both teams.

1st Test → 🌴
2nd Test → 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿
3rd Test → ❓#ENGvWI final Test preview: https://t.co/9e9EntoO6t pic.twitter.com/l7quW2REww

— ICC (@ICC) July 23, 2020

Black Lives Matter (BLM ) protest has seen a rise throughout the world and players have supported by taking a knee at the start of day’s play. West Indies players have also raised black gloves right fists.

Two matches have been completed, both have given results. No boring test matches as never is the case in England. Both teams are at one apiece. As per the trend, the ball has beaten bat n number of teams, there have been some unplayable ones, boundaries through slip and gully giving anguish look on bowlers face, some glorious shots through covers, square leg and what not.

Bowlers have been on the topmost of the time barring the Stokes -Sibley partnership in the last test. If we look both scoreboards it would be right to say that England’s victory in Manchester was a touch more dominant than West Indies had been at Southampton. Stokes versus Holder was labelled as the battle of series and looking at every aspect Ben Stokes has pipped Holder and rightfully holds the No.1 test all-rounder tag.

#ENGvWI The RED HOT Test action continues on Friday in the 3rd Test. Don't you dare miss a ball!🙌🏾#MenInMaroon #WIReady pic.twitter.com/Af6RQ5Nwt5

— Windies Cricket (@windiescricket) July 21, 2020

England’s bench strength is much stronger than the West Indies as was evident in the previous test when England rotated all three bowlers of the previous test(some due to reason).

West Indies top-order batting hasn’t been up to mark and looking at reserves it looks same too order would again be given chance so it’s upto them to provide a cushion to middle & lower middle order to consolidate.

Chemar Holder/Raymon Riefer should be given chance as making Gabriel play could be equivalent of biting a cyanide pill-taking into consideration bowlers fitness worries. For England, if necessary Jofra Archer should take Woakes place as Curran‘s left-arm swing gives a new angle and dimension to hosts.

Whatever happens, one thing which we should all appreciate is a sacrifice of West Indies, coming to worst-affected countries, playing despite a 50% pay cut and as reports suggest saved the game in England from financial ruin.