International cricket is finally returning after the gap of almost four months with the first test match between England and West Indies. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, ICC has introduced many changes in cricket to keep everyone safe from this deadly virus.
After the cancellation of so many series and tournaments, the cricket fans are very much excited for the return of international cricket. The Test series between England and West Indies will decide the fate of the upcoming tournaments including IPL and T20 World Cup. Although the spectators will not be present in the stadium and cricket has to be commenced without its beloved audience.
On Wednesday, when England and West Indies will lock horn with each other in the first Test match, the whole cricketing world will keep an eye on this historic match.
PREVIEW:
Head to Head: In the last five Test matches, the West Indies team has won three, and England got the victory in two.
England: The England team looks perfectly balanced with the inclusion of Jofra Archer in the bowling attack, and the West Indies team will face a challenge while dealing with such a lethal bowling attack. In the top order, the team has young and energetic players like Rory Burns, Dominic Sibley, Zak Crawley to keep the responsibility of giving a good start. Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Joe Denly and Jos Buttler will take responsibility in the middle-order.
West Indies: The West Indies team looks very much stable on the papers with the presence of Shai Hope, Kraigg Brathwaite and Roston Chase at the top order. Jason Holder, Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph and Shannon Gabriel will keep the responsibility of the bowling department. Even though the England team is the favourites but we can't underestimate the West Indies team.
PROBABLE XI :
England: Rory Burns, Dominic Sibley, Joe Denly, Zak Crawley, Ben Stokes (captain), Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler (wk), Chris Woakes/Jofra Archer, Dom Bess, Stuart Broad, James Anderson
West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Shamarh Brooks, Shai Hope, Jermaine Blackwood, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich (wk), Jason Holder (captain), Rakheem Cornwall/Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel
PITCH REPORT:
At the start of the innings, the pitch will favour the batsmen, and the stroke-making will become easier. But as time passes by, it will become slower and help the bowlers. There is a slight chance of rains on Day 1 & 2.
FANTASY CRICKET TIPS:
Players who cannot be missed:
Ben Stokes: Stokes has scored 590 runs in nine matches against West Indies. With the additional responsibility of leading the England side, Stokes can be a good pick in fantasy cricket leagues.
Joe Denly: For the past two years, Denly has played some brilliant knocks for the team and scored runs at the crucial moments.
Shai Hope: Last year, Hope was the third-highest run-getter in ODI cricket. He has been in a tremendous form and can be a good pick in the fantasy teams.
Roston Chase: Chase can be very productive with his batting as well as bowling. He is one of the most significant finds for West Indies cricket.
Jofra Archer: If Archer earns his spot in the playing XI, the West Indies team has to handle him decently.
CAPTAIN AND VICE-CAPTAIN:
Captain:
Ben Stokes: Ben Stokes looked in decent form in the warm-up match between team Buttler and team Stokes. Apart from his batting, Stokes is very much capable to pick wickets at the crucial moments. As he has the responsibility to lead his side, he is the most deserving player to lead the fantasy cricket team.
Shai Hope: Hope played a gutsy knock of 83 runs in the warm-up match and can also play a vital role in the fantasy cricket leagues.
Fantasy Cricket Team (#1): Jos Buttler, Shai Hope, Kraigg Brathwaite, Rory Burns, Joe Denly, Ben Stokes, Jason Holder, Roston Chase, Kemar Roach, James Anderson, Jofra Archer.
Fantasy Cricket Team (alternate): Jos Buttler, Shai Hope, Kraigg Brathwaite, Ollie Pope, Joe Denly, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Roston Chase, Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph, Jofra Archer.
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