Quite remarkably England and West Indies head into a series decider at Lord’s on Thursday. If you had said that was going to be the case after the first Test you would have received plenty of funny looks but an amazing bounce back from the tourists in Leeds has set up this fascinating finale.
England
As ever when they lose a match England came in for plenty of stick for their defeat at Leeds but I would imagine what will have hurt them more is that they once again failed to dominate a series after getting a good start. England have a number of fantastic players who are capable of playing at this level but they lack consistency.
I guess if you were being critical you would question Joe Root’s declaration at Leeds but I admired the approach he took even if it did backfire. He will want the best performance of the summer from his side in what is their last Test match prior to the start of the Ashes this winter. A dominant display will help confidence.
West Indies
What do we expect from West Indies in this match? The truth is I don’t think anybody will know until the match begins not even their own players. We have certainly seen both sides of them in this series so far. They were dreadful in Birmingham but for as bad as they were there they were brilliant at Leeds.
I guess the question is can they bat as well at Lord’s as they did at Headingley? I expected them to bowl well on this tour. That never materialised at Birmingham but it certainly did in Leeds and if they can bowl like that again here they are likely to set this match up for their batsmen. If they are good enough to deliver that is.
Team News
Once again England have named their side the day before the Test match. They will make one change with Toby Roland-Jones returning for Chris Woakes so England will revert to the side which won at Edgbaston.
West Indies have not named their side yet but the lack of use Jason Holder got out of Devendra Bishoo at Leeds it is hard to see him starting here. Miguel Cummins or Alzarri Joseph could come in for him.
Lord’s
This will be Test match 135 on this famous ground. England have 52 wins and just 31 defeats with 49 draws at this venue. West Indies have only won four of their 20 matches here. They’ve lost seven and drawn nine.
The wicket at Lord’s is always a good cricket one. Batsmen can score freely and get full value for their shots on a fast outfield but when there is a bit of cloud cover the bowlers are always in the game. That makes for fascinating cricket.
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Betting
I’m already on England at 8/1 in this match courtesy of backing them to win the series 2-1 before it began so I am not going to get involved in the match betting although I am hoping the rain stays away and there is a result.
I will bet on the Test though. My first bet is to follow up a bet from the last match which is Joe Root to make 50 in the first innings. His last six Test innings have seen him make five 50s and 49 and he has made a 50 in his last 12 matches. He averages more than 60 at Lord’s with three scores of 180 or more on the ground and in a must win match the leader can show the way with more runs.
I was waiting for Jason Holder to come to the party with the bat and he did that at Headingley. I’m still not completely certain West Indies are not going to fall in a heap with the bat here especially if they are forced to bat under cloud laden skies. At 16/1 the Windies captain remains a big price to top score if England can shoot the top order out cheaply.
Tips
Back J.Root first innings 50 for a 4/10 stake at 2.20 with William Hill
Back him here:
Back J.Holder Top West Indies 1st Inns Batsman for a 1/10 stake at 17.00 with Betfred
Back him here:
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