385 runs target. There are around 136 overs left of the game to be bowled in four sessions. The track has become flatter over the past few days. The task is daunting, yes. But it’s not entirely impossible for the West Indian team. Now that they have scored 61 runs without losing any wickets, they are onto just the start they need. Here comes the drinks break. If Captain Kraigg Braithwaite had even the slightest idea of the hell that was about to break loose, he would have requested poly juice potion to disguise himself and run as far from the team as possible. Chris Woakes and Shoaib Bashir ran through the visitors like a hot knife through butter. The game was wound up and won by the English within the extended last session of the penultimate with so much ease, that one would think it was all scripted.
As much as it was oddly satisfying seeing the longest format camouflaging itself as its younger counterparts on the fourth day, many really wanted to grab those free tickets to see West Indies put up a fight against the Bazball-intoxicated England. Several people still are hoping to get even a glimpse of that spectacle in the last game of the series. A win at last for the Windies will, of course, not influence who gets the series trophy, but for a dying format this could do more than any revolutionary brand of play ever will.
Team Overview:
Every team needs an opener like Ben Duckett up top, especially in the longest format. Many new ball worries end when you can put your feet up knowing someone is hammering the ball in as if it’s a T20 game. The top and upper middle order have always done more of the task than was asked of them. It’s the bowlers who have shown they are ready to carry the team post-Anderson. Mark Wood, who bowled thunderbolts like his life depended on them, seems to be pushing his case that he needs to be stuck with. Another welcome sight was watching Shoaib Bashir do his trick. In him, England’s long fight to shape a spinner into a beast seems to have come to an end. But only time can tell. As of now, the management deserves to rest in the thought that Bashir could well be their ‘attacking’ spinner whenever the need arises.
It would have been a shame if Mark Wood’s speed-of-light deliveries wrapped up the game without an injury. But thats not the case. Kevin Sinclair’s fractured forearm stands as a witness which will also see him out of the third Test. For the visitors, it was again the batting line that ruined the party, though it takes a serious messing up to ruin it the way they did in the second innings.
Head-to-head Matches:
England and the West Indies have played 165 Test matches against each other. Interestingly, West Indies are dominating the matchup with 59-55. But as things are, its not far before England get the upper hand.
Weather and Pitch Report:
Birmingham sun will be there to ensure nothing dampens the mood for the last game. The track is expected to be flat with almost no grass, so gear yourself for a run glut.
Where to watch?
You can watch the game between England and West Indies on the following channels/sites:
Windies: Sports Max and Flow Sports
England: Sky sports
India: SonyLiv
Pakistan: Tapmad
United States: Willow TV
Australia: Foxtel
Ireland: BT sport
