It will be a momentous occasion at Edgbaston on Thursday afternoon when English cricket join the modern revolution by embracing day-night Test match cricket for the first time. England take on West Indies in the first of a three match series with this opener carrying more intrigue than many that have preceded it.
Given the relatively short nature of this series the importance of this contest in it is big as the winners will go one up with two to play while the losers will be under pressure right from the get go.
England
The home side have an advantage here in that they only finished a Test series against South Africa just over a week ago so they are used to the format and what it takes to play their best stuff in the game. Where they are not quite so prepared is facing the pink ball. There was a round of Championship matches with it but many were rain affected.
There are areas of concern for England heading into the series with the first of them coming in the form of their top order. They are going to blood another new opener in this series and with numbers three and five not yet tied down this is going to be a big match for some to build their reputations ahead of a huge winter.
West Indies
This is the first series for West Indies since they lost a series to Pakistan in May but they have arrived in England with plenty of time to prepare for it. They have had three warm up matches including one with the pink ball against Derbyshire. The majority of their batsmen have scored runs and many of their bowlers have been among the wickets.
This series could just be perfect for the Windies players. They love playing with freedom and a carefree attitude and they have the chance to do that here because many expect them to be well beaten. They can go out and show what they have and if they can have 2-3 inspired sessions back-to-back you just never know what can happen.
Team News
England have named their side for this match and we know for sure that Mark Stoneman will make his debut. That is the only change from the final Test with South Africa which means Chris Woakes and Mason Crane have to wait for their chance.
West Indies have few selection issues heading into the series. They just need to decide whether to play the leg spin of Devendra Bishoo or the extra quick in Alzarri Joseph. The latter is likely to be the option.
Edgbaston
This will be the 50th time the Birmingham venue has hosted Test match cricket so it is a big occasion for all concerned. England love this venue. They have 26 wins to eight defeats here with 15 draws. West Indies don’t mind it either with four wins to two defeats with three drawn games.
The wicket here always delivers good cricket. There is always something in it for the bowlers but the batsmen can go well too once they get over that initial period and get themselves in. The unknown is the pink ball.
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Betting
I’m not going to go too mad to start this series especially with the doubts over how the pink ball will behave. I’ve got some series bets running here and I’m going to add two for the match to it.
The first comes in the performance of Jason Holder. The West Indies captain has a line of 80.5pts which I believe is a little low. I fancy he will get stuck in with the ball especially if he happens to be bowling in twilight and when it comes to the bat he is more than capable and actually has a Test century against England. Over the course of four innings this total should be well within his reach.
I’ve a feeling right throughout this match we are going to see the top orders struggle so with that in mind the 8/1 on Jonny Bairstow to top score for England in the first innings could well be of interest. He is in excellent nick with the bat having made 99 against South Africa recently. If you take Cook and Root out this line up is very hit or miss so the Yorkshireman gets my top bat attention.
Tips
Back J.Holder’s Performance – Over 80.5pts for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with Bet365
Back him here:
Back J.Bairstow Top England 1st Inns Batsman for a 1/10 stake at 9.00 with Betfred
Back him here:
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