Windies vs England, 3rd Test: Fantain Fantasy Cricket Tips

As the pundits work on overdrive to critique every wrong foot placed by Joe Root’s men, the Caribbean cricket lovers are rejoicing as if it were the 70s again. A 381-run victory at Barbados notwithstanding, the hosts added insult to injury by inflicting yet another embarrassing defeat – this time a 10 wicket one – on the tourists.

So the embattled Joe Root has a task at hand now for the 3^rd and final Test – avoid a ‘blackwash’. The last time England suffered in this manner was on the 1986 tour when David Gower was in charge.

England has one glimmer of hope going into the final Test – the hosts will be without they talismanic skipper Holder. He’s been hauled up for slow over rate and will serve a one-match suspension.

Venue:

Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St Lucia

The conditions appear to be in favour of the hosts with the track meant to facilitate pace and bounce

Also, note that there are predictions for mild rain through the course of the Test dates and this might just impact sessions of play along the way.

Team news–West Indies

In the absence of Jason Holder, Kraigg Brathwaite will lead the hosts. Keemo Paul, the young fast-bowling all-rounder has been roped into the squad. Paul has skills that are similar to Holder’s and for this reason, don’t be surprised if he walks right into the playing XI.

On the other hand, should the hosts see the real pace and bounce in the track, they will be tempted to unleash Oshane Thomas on the wounded tourists.

Likely Playing XI – Windies

Kraigg Brathwaite (c), John Campbell, Shai Hope, Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Shane Dowrich(w), Keemo Paul, Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph, Shannon Gabriel

Team News –England

Tom Curran’s spot is under the radar and England would perhaps trade him for Mark Wood’s raw pace. Expect Joe Root to jump up to number three while Joe Denly might just be handed another opportunity to get cracking while opening the innings.

England would also look to find a way of getting Chris Woakes into the mix. But it remains to be seen what combinations they decide to play with.

Likely Playing XI – England

Burns, Denly, Bairstow(WK), Root(C), Stokes, Buttler, Ali, Woakes, Curran/Foakes, Broad and Anderson.

Hot Picks

Shane Dowrich is in relatively good form with the bat and he’ll make a good wicket-keeper pick in your Fantain XI

Stuart Broad, Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel and James Anderson would make for great fast-bowling picks.

Fantain Fantasy XI:

This is our Fantain Fantasy XI but you’re the real expert.

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