Windies vs India, 2019 – 1st Test: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips – Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

Match Details:

The first Test between Windies and India will be played at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound in Antigua.

The match starts at 09:30 AM local time (7 PM IST) (01:30 PM GMT).

This game will be live on Sony Ten 1 and Sony Ten 3 (both HD channels as well) in India. Live streaming will be available on Sony LIV.

Preview

After winning the limited-overs leg of the tour, Team India will be eyeing to get the better of the Windies in the two-match Test series as well. This will also be the start of the World Test Championship for both the teams. India are currently the number one side in the world in the longer format and they will have to win this series to keep their numero uno position.

As far as the team combinations is concerned, India are spoilt for choices. It remains to be seen if Rohit Sharma plays ahead of Hanuma Vihari. Both of them did well in the practice match and the former is likely to be preferred. There is also a dilemma over whom to play between Ravi Ashwin and Kuldeep Yadav. The chinaman picked a five-wicket haul in his last Test while Ashwin has an extremely good record in and against West Indies.

For Jason Holder, it should be a straight forward selection with Shannon Gabriel and Kemar Roach taking the new ball. Roston Chase is likely to be the only spinner and it will be interesting to see if the all-rounder Rahkeem Cornwall gets his Test cap.

Weather Report

There are chances of rain during the day while it will also be sunny. Though both the teams shouldn’t be worried about the rain. The forecast for the rest of the days is also expected to be clear according to AccuWeather.

Pitch Condition

The pitches in Antigua have spiced up if the last two Tests are taken into account. The pacers will have a say if a similar surface is on offer. Depending on the conditions, the teams will look to bowl first after winning the toss to extract swing early on with the new ball.

Average first innings score: 290 (in seven Tests played at the venue)

Average second innings score: 354 (in seven Tests played at the venue)

Average third innings score: 226 (in seven Tests played at the venue)

Average fourth innings score: 183 (in seven Tests played at the venue)

Probable Playing XIs:

Windies

Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Shai Hope, Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Shane Dowrich (WK), Rahkeem Cornwall/Keemo Paul, Jason Holder (C), Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach.

Bench – Shamarh Brooks, Rahkeem Cornwall/Keemo Paul.

India

Mayank Agarwal, KL Rahul, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (C), Ajinkya Rahane, Hanuma Vihari/Rohit Sharma, Rishabh Pant (WK), Ravi Ashwin, Mohammed Shami, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah.

Bench – Kuldeep Yadav, Umesh Yadav, Hanuma Vihari/Rohit Sharma, Wriddhiman Saha.

Team News

Virat Kohli sustained a finger injury during the finger injury. He didn’t play the practice game as well but is expected to be fit for the first Test.

Top Picks

Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara is a must whenever India plays a Test match. Both of them more often than not score big.

Ravi Ashwin averages 50.18 with the bat against the Windies which consists of four centuries as well. He has churned out 60 wickets against the Caribbean team with four five-wicket hauls.

Jason Holder is more than capable with the bat especially in the longer format and scored a double hundred against England in the previous series.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Captain Options: Virat Kohli, Cheteshwar Pujara, Jason Holder

Vice-Captain Options: Roston Chase, Kraigg Brathwaite, Mayank Agarwal

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Shane Dowrich, Rishabh Pant

Batsmen – Shai Hope, Virat Kohli (C), Cheteshwar Pujara

All-Rounders –  Jason Holder (VC), Roston Chase, Ravi Ashwin

Bowlers – Shannon Gabriel, Ishant Sharma, Mohammed Shami.

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Shane Dowrich

Batsmen – Kraigg Brathwaite (VC), John Campbell, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Cheteshwar Pujara (C)

All-Rounders – Roston Chase, Ravi Ashwin

Bowlers – Kemar Roach, Ishant Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah.

Expert Advice:

Kraigg Brathwaite is known to spend his time out in the middle and has the ability to play a long innings. He could be picked in one of the teams.

Mayank Agarwal was in decent form for India A but couldn’t do much in the warm-up game. He won’t be picked by many and is a good bet to make C or VC in grand leagues given the way he bats.

Probable Winners:

India are expected to win the match and take a 1-0 lead in the series.

*Disclaimer: This team is based on the understanding, analysis and instinct of the author. While selecting your team, consider the points mentioned and make your own decision.