England vs. West Indies: First Test Preview

Sarah Waris gives her preview for Wednesday's first Test between England and the West Indies.
England vs. West Indies: First Test Preview
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Though the upcoming three-match Test series between the two sides seems lopsided on paper - England are the clear favourites - the home team can spring a surprise or two, similar to what we experienced in the three-match Test series against West Indies and Sri Lanka, where the home team inflicted a massive 226-run defeat upon the visitors in the first game.

However, the number 3 ranked English team will be riding high on confidence after they registered a historic win in the subcontinent in November, defeating Sri Lanka 3-0. They have an influx of upcoming and exciting stars along with some experienced campaigners and unless the Windies can play out of their skins throughout, one can expect Joe Root's side to become only the third English team to win a Test series in the Caribbean.

Player Recommendations:


Wicket-keeper: Jonny Bairstow (9 credits)

Though Ben Foakes might be in contention to keep wickets for the series, Bairstow is the keeper who should be preferred in the Dream11 side. After missing the first two Tests against Sri Lanka in November last year due to injury, Bairstow staged a memorable comeback as he hit 110 runs in the first innings to win the Man of the Match award. The 29-year old has six tons to his name in the format and has made it a habit of steadying the ship after the loss of early wickets.

Batsman: Joe Root (10.5 credits)

Considering the class of Root and the inexperienced Windies bowling attack,

Though the upcoming three-match Test series between the two sides seems lopsided on paper - England are the clear favourites - the home team can spring a surprise or two, similar to what we experienced in the three-match Test series against West Indies and Sri Lanka, where the home team inflicted a massive 226-run defeat upon the visitors in the first game.

However, the number 3 ranked English team will be riding high on confidence after they registered a historic win in the subcontinent in November, defeating Sri Lanka 3-0. They have an influx of upcoming and exciting stars along with some experienced campaigners and unless the Windies can play out of their skins throughout, one can expect Joe Root's side to become only the third English team to win a Test series in the Caribbean.

Player Recommendations:


Wicket-keeper: Jonny Bairstow (9 credits)

Though Ben Foakes might be in contention to keep wickets for the series, Bairstow is the keeper who should be preferred in the Dream11 side. After missing the first two Tests against Sri Lanka in November last year due to injury, Bairstow staged a memorable comeback as he hit 110 runs in the first innings to win the Man of the Match award. The 29-year old has six tons to his name in the format and has made it a habit of steadying the ship after the loss of early wickets.

Batsman: Joe Root (10.5 credits)

Considering the class of Root and the inexperienced Windies bowling attack, one can expect the English skipper to come to the party in the upcoming game. The player had averaged 41.21 with the bat in 2018, scoring two hundreds. He has a phenomenal record in West Indies, averaging 89.50 with a high score of 182* in three games, which makes him a must-have in the side.

All-rounder: Jason Holder (9.5 credits)

The player from Barbados had a stunning 2018 with the ball, averaging 12.39 in 6 games and picking up 33 wickets. 5 of the 6 games that he played last year was held in West Indies and his sound understanding of the conditions will make him a real threat.

Bowler: Shannon Gabriel (8.5 credits)

Gabriel was yet another bowler who caused considerable havoc at home last season. In eight Tests that he played in 2018, the lanky pacer picked up 28 wickets at 19.54, including picking up an 8-wicket haul against the Lankans. His variations and his understanding of the batsmen's weakness has made him one of the most dangerous players and with England's top-order looking iffy, Gabriel can be the player to watch out for.

Captain: Joe Root

Vice-captain: Shannon Gabriel

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
This postgraduate in English Literature has taken on the tough task of limiting the mystic world of sports to a few hundred words. A self-confessed Kohli 'bhakt,' she falls in the category who believe that he has long surpassed the greats, yes even Tendulkar!
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