The West Indies will host England for the second Test match that starts at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on 16 March. The two teams come together again after sharing a draw in the first Test match, in Antigua, where the only real winner was the pitch. It slowed down drastically after the first session, offering little help to the bowlers of either side.
At the same time, it offered little in the way of entertainment, except for those who derive enjoyment from watching a batter grind out an innings.
All the indications are that the Kensington Oval pitch may have a bit more life about it. The chances of a positive outcome are looking good, especially as the weather forecast suggests it will remain dry for the duration of the match.
Despite a first-innings collapse which saw them reduced to 48/4 at one stage, England recovered well in Antigua, thanks to Jonny Bairstow’s fine 140 in the first innings. And , when there was the possibility of them losing the game, Zak Crawley and Joe Root both hit centuries in their second innings, briefly raising hopes of an unlikely England win before that was snuffed out.
England will hopeful of that performance having instilled some confidence into a dressing-room still recovering from the trauma of their last Ashes tour. One problem they face is that the absence of fast bowler Mark Wood to the elbow injury he incurred in the First Test. Without him (and the absent James Anderson and Stuart Broad), the pace attack looks inexperienced. If fit, Ollie Robinson is likely to replace Wood. If not, Saqib Mahmood may be in line for a Test debut.
The star of the First Test from a West Indies viewpoint was Nkrumah Bonner, whose 123 in their first innings was a masterclass in aptitude and self-discipline. They will look to him again to shore up their innings, and will hope one of the top order can support him by making a big score.
Get Bonner out early and England will have a good chance. Failure to do so, could mean another damaging defeat.
Fantasy Tips
- The greater pace in the pitch will favour the West Indies, and they will go on to win, with Bonner again among the runs.
- Pick both Stokes and Holder among all-rounders.
- Root is always a safe bet.
Teams
West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), John Campbell, Shamarh Brooks, Nkrumah Bonner, Jermaine Blackwood, Jason Holder, Joshua Da Silva (wc), Kemar Roach, Veerasammy Permaul, Jayden Seales.
England: Alex Lees, Zak Crawley. Joe Root (c), Dan Lawrence, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Foakes (wk), Chris Woakes, Craig Overton, Ollie Robinson, Jack Leach.