How quickly can fortunes fluctuate and make the hunter, the hunted? England at the moment are in a complete fix, having been stunned by a resolute West Indies outfit barely a week ago at Leeds. Pundits from England were scathing in their criticism of the West Indies not too long ago when the visitors were crushed on the third day of the Pink-ball Test.
According to the ever outspoken Geoffrey Boycott, the current West Indies outfit was surely the “worst ever” in Test cricket’s history. This criticism was bound to get a response, as Jason Holder’s leadership, mixed with the sheer resilience of Kraigg Brathwaite and Shai Hope, led to an unthinkable Windies win.
With the above two names coming to the party in both innings of the game, the Caribbean kings made 322 look like an absolute cake walk in the fourth innings, as England’s heavyweights such as James Anderson and Stuart Broad couldn’t stop them from scripting history. Counted among the most memorable Tests of all time, it was a profusely pleasant sight to see the underdogs come out on top, and lighten up the series.
This is precisely why the Test at Lord’s has now become a do or die affair for both sides. England needs to win the game at all costs, as even a draw could hamper an otherwise perfect home summer. For the visitors, though, the chance to script history and stun the world awaits.
Team News:
England:
It remains to be seen for how long will England continue their defensive tactics of playing an extra batsman in the form of Tom Westley. If recent come back and overall credentials are anything to go by, Moeen Ali is more than a decent number seven and having him at number 8 is simply a laid back approach. Yes, a few more runs can be surely scored with this move, but it comes at the expense of a genuine wicket taker. And as they say, to win Tests, you need your wicket takers to come to the party, and not individuals who can add some more runs on the board.
The Essex batsman Tom Westley underwent twin failures at Leeds, and if common sense is to prevail, he should be dropped for the Lord’s Test. England will surely consider bringing in Toby Roland Jones. The pacer recently proved his caliber against the Proteas, and his return in all is just a matter of mere formality. Otherwise, the team shall remain the same, with a caution notice being handed over to the inconsistent Dawid Malan.
West Indies:
Kemar Roach’s inclusion has done wonders, as his raw energy has changed the team’s prospects completely. The Calypso Kings now resemble a complete bowling attack, and the remaining hinges have been properly filled in. Shanon Gabriel, Kemar Roach, and Jason Holder form a decent pace trio, in fact among the best for the West Indies in recent memory. To add to that, the leg spin of Devendra Bishoo and off breaks of Roston Chase add a lot of value to the scheme of things.
From the batting front, the underperforming Kyle Hope is set to be replaced, by West Indies’ 2016 U19 World Cup winning captain Shimron Hetmyer. The 20 year old talented batsman recently blazed up the arena in a tour game with his flamboyant knock of 128 not out, which included a flurry of fours and sixes.
The Call:
To predict the winner, it’s hard to take anything, but you have to back the hosts to bounce back. England now have made an infamous habit of getting crushed in the second Test of the series every time, only to bounce back in style.
Predicted XI:
England:
Alastair Cook, Mark Stoneman, Tom Westley, Joe Root(c), Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow(w), Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Toby Roland-Jones
Windies:
Kraigg Brathwaite, Kieran Powell, Devendra Bishoo, Kyle Hope, Shai Hope, Roston Chase, Jermaine Blackwood, Shane Dowrich(w), Jason Holder(c), Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel.