West Indies are in dire straits after the shambolic performance in the opening Test which saw England gobble up the contest within three days. Usually, in such situations where the team is off to a poor start, the optimists tend to say, “There is still a hope.”
However, ahead of the second Test match which is set to take place at Headingley, Leeds, West Indies seem to have very little of it.
This statement is not to berate the current squad but to reflect the truth which was stripped up bare naked when England snapped all 19 wickets in one single day’s play to send signs that this series is going to be competition between two mismatches.
In the spotlight
Quality resides in the Windies squad. The fast bowling unit can better of them, as the performance in the 1st Test was not close to the potential. Shannon Gabriel’s inclusion seems very logical at the moment even though there are problems with his bowling discipline.
Overstepping and erratic wide ones are definitely the downsides, but his pace and wicket taking abilities should not be forgotten at the same time. The side needs real Pace, and only the burly right-arm bowler can provide it.
Skipper Jason Holder will be up for a tough job as the critics expect him to better all three aspect of his game – captaincy, batting and bowling. He needs to get better with decision making – especially after failing to take the new ball under the lights on day two of the previous game – and try to contribute better as a specialist all – rounder in the team.
Win/Loss Record (last five matches, most recent first)
England: WWWLW
West Indies: LLWLW
Team Combination
West Indies: As mentioned earlier, Gabriel will be considered although Jason Holder nor coach Stuart Law have given any indication. At present, only one change is speculated, as the same XI may take the field yet again.
England: England has confirmed one change in the form of Chris Woakes, who returns from an injury, to replace Toby Roland – Jones.
Predicted XI:
England: Alastair Cook, Mark Stoneman, Tom Westley, Joe Root (capt), Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, James Anderson
West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite, Kieran Powell, Kyle Hope, Shai Hope, Roston Chase, Jermaine Blackwood, Shane Dowrich (wk), Jason Holder (capt), Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph, Shannon Gabriel