England want a glut of fast runs and 10 West Indian wickets on the ultimate day in Barbados as they appear to show a meandering match right into a memorable win.
The primary Check of the collection flattened out into a dull draw as England fell six wickets quick on day 5 in Antigua, and so they might want to transfer quick and decisively to keep away from the identical destiny in Bridgetown.
Kraigg Brathwaite produced a mammoth defensive effort to depart the vacationers racing towards the clock, making 160 in 11 hours and 51 minutes. After taking 489 deliveries to bowl out the house captain within the first innings, England must get issues accomplished in a rush.
Zak Crawley and Alex Lees resume 136 forward on 40 with out loss and the impetus will probably be on stretching that lead as rapidly as attainable earlier than declaring.
Participant to look at – Jack Leach
The left-arm spinner despatched down an exhausting 69.5 overs within the West Indies’ first-innings, essentially the most by an English bowler since Phil Tufnell obtained via 71 towards New Zealand in 1992. However whereas Tufnell’s heavy load got here on the finish of a match, Leach should get his bowling boots again on once more earlier than he would really like. England will want him to make use of him as an attacking choice for lengthy intervals as they push for the consequence so there will probably be no passing on of the baton. No relaxation for the depraved.
View from the dressing room
Saqib Mahmood: “Are you able to run via a group…on that wicket? No, however strain can do humorous issues to folks. There have been just a few that misbehaved on the market. It’s only a case of getting that extra usually.”
Numbers Recreation
400 – Variety of balls Kraigg Brathwaite confronted with out scoring within the first innings. His 160 runs got here from the opposite 89
Declaration stations
Joe Root made what was broadly thought-about to be a fairly sporting declaration on the ultimate day in Antigua, inviting the Windies to chase a goal of 286 in 71 overs. If that was supposed as a carrot, the opposition didn’t chew and as a substitute dug in for a stalemate. Now he must give you one other equation and might want to pitch it precisely proper – tempting however safe. It’s by no means a precise science, however it’s unlikely Root will get too beneficiant and threat defeat.
Will Grenada be inexperienced?
Regardless of the consequence right here, the collection will probably be up for grabs and really a lot alive in Grenada subsequent week. The speak amongst locals in Barbados is {that a} livelier floor is within the offing for the decider. A smattering of stay grass can be very welcome for the unloved bowlers on either side however will it occur? Vaccination mandates have been eliminated to try to encourage a full crowd and 5 day attracts generate extra income than three days of fast-moving leisure. What will probably be on supply within the spice isle?
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