West Indies would have to encounter a very difficult task today at Emirates stadium Old Trafford to bat out the entire 5th day on a wearing wicket against very potent English attack. Rain completely washing out day four has given them off course a ray of hope. 

Weather forecast even today indicates of some interruptions. England scoring 389 in the first Innings and restricting West Indies to 199 in the first innings rode into driving seat. Tired West Indies bowling attack lost direction in the second Innings. England grew into impregnable situation declaring at 226/2 almost shutting West Indies out of match setting a target of 399 for West Indies to chase. By stumps of day three England managed taking 2 West Indian wickets for 10 runs. The match could be done and dusted by day four if not rain completely washed out. 98 overs set for the day five may be enough for taking remaining 8 West Indian Wickets. If West Indies batsman can apply themselves, graft and grind they have an outside chance for salvaging a draw. If that happens the series will be drawn and West Indies will retain the Wisden Trophy. We can preview the fifth days play on the basis of cricket played in this particular test and the current series.

Cricket admirers across the world must appreciate the extraordinary initiatives taken by English and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for bringing back cricket during pandemic. They had to take lot of preparations observing strict guidelines of WHO and adopting Bio Security Protocol. 

What Can West Indies Do?

Test Cricket is rarely played on the basis of ranking of the contesting teams . Many a time underdog team commits its best playing against the favorites. England ranking higher than West Indies and being in top form before the outbreak of COVID pandemic were clear favorites in the series. But we must not forget that this very West Indies won the last series against England played in the Caribbean (2-1). West Indies traditionally reserves their best for playing against England in particular.

Playing brilliant cricket West Indies turned the table on England winning the first test at Rose Bowl Southampton by 4 wickets. They looked competitive till mid way of the second test and then lost their way. English Lion roared back at Emirates Stadium at Old Trafford winning by 113 runs and squaring the series 1-1. The third test at the same venue became the series defining event. 

West Indies fielding almost the same squad must be stressed playing three consecutive tests within a very short time. England on the other hand rotated their pace bowlers. Stuart Broad, Sam Curran and Chris Woakes were not included in the first test. All three returned in the second test replacing Archer, Wood and Anderson. For the third Archer and Anderson joined Broad and Woakes. As such English legs were fresh compared to tired over worked West Indian pace attack. Holder winning the toss possibly did a mistake opting to bowl notwithstanding the condition of his bowlers. However, on the second day West Indies had their moments till Broad playing a cameo innings of 66 in 45 deliveries batted West Indies to a very difficult situation. Then he bowled brilliantly taking 6 wickets that put the Tourist to the brink. West Indies team looked spiritless and dejected when England took the game further out of their reach scoring 226/2 in quick time. West Indies was presented with a target of 399 or bat for two days. Such situation could be avoided if West Indies captain would have opted to bat first. Specially they included an additional spinner Rakheem Cornwall.

Now the task is well cut out. They have to resume their up hil task on day five at 10/2. The accomplished pair of Brathwaite and Hope have to wither probing attack of Broad, Anderson, Archer and Woakes till lunch at least. If they can manage doing that Brooks, Balckwell, Chase, Dorwich and Holder may bat out the day earning a draw. If that happens that will be as well as winning the series for West Indies. They will retain the series and leave England with hands high. Cricket will win. But it will not be easy task at all.

Top 5 Test Wicket Takers 

Order                          Bowler                         Wickets 
1                        Muttiah Muralitharan              800
2                          Shane Warne                       708 
3                            Anil Kumble                        619 
4                              Anderson                          518 
5                         Glem MacGrath                     563
6                         Courtney Walsh                     519 

The new ball is only 6 overs old. English attack has tails up. Broad is on the doorstep of a major milestone of reaching 500 test wickets. When he reaches, he will join a very exclusive club of test bowlers doing that. Among the pace bowlers only Glen McGrath Courtney Walsh and his mate James Anderson are above him. Rest of the mare all spinners. Let us hope that weather stays good, rain do not interrupt. 

World will witness a fascinating contest of bat and ball. The tasks of West Indies batting and saving the test will ease to some extent if rain eats up 15-20 overs from the test as England in that situation may not have the advantage of taking the second new ball and mopping up the West Indies tail in that situation. But no team plays aiming at that situation.

BDST: 1345 HRS, JUL 28, 2020
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