Back To Edgbaston
It’s fair to say that Edgbaston hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for England of late, as they’ve only managed to win one of their last four test matches there. Maybe this could be the test that the West Indies spring a surprise? They’re currently 10/1 to win if you fancy them,
The West Indies did show more fight at Trent Bridge and were able to have a good first innings with the bat, but ultimately they came up short again when it mattered. I personally think it will be a whitewash, and England will wrap up the series 3-0. England are long odds on at 1/9 to win the match, so we’ll be searching for a bit of value elsewhere once again.
The Prowess Of Pope
Therefore, I am looking at some other markets for a bit of value. The one English batsman who I think will have another solid match is Ollie Pope. In his last two matches, he scored a century and a half-century, both in the first innings. He has certainly made the role of England’s number three his own in this test series. The 26-year-old is 9/2 to be England’s top run scorer in the first innings, and it would surprise if he had another big knock.
A Home Game For Woakes
When it comes to the bowlers, I think Chris Woakes could be the pick of them for England. He started to come into form at Trent Bridge and took four wickets in the first innings against the West Indies. Coming to Edgbaston should really suit Woakes, as it’s his domestic home ground with Warwickshire, so he’s got plenty of experience bowling there. He doesn’t do anything flashy; he’s just workmanlike, but very effective. He’s 3/1 to be England’s top wicket taker in the first innings.
One More Chance For Athanaze
In the last match at Trent Bridge, I went for Alick Athanaze to be the West Indies top run scorer in the first innings and he was just pipped by Kavem Hodge, who scored a century. Athanaze still scored a respectable 82, and I am going to give him another chance here. He looks to be adapting well to English conditions, and he has a cool head. Out of all the West Indies batsmen, he looks to be the most consistent, and I think at 9/2 he can go one better this time around.
Seales Can Strike Again
Jayden Seales has been the best bowler for the West Indies by a country mile in this series. He’s been the guy that has caused England the most problems. In the first match he took four wickets, and then at Trent Bridge he took six wickets. I think he’ll be there to man again with the ball, and I can see him being their leading wicket-taker in the first innings at 3/1.
If the West Indies can put up another brave fight, then hopefully we’ll get a cracking test match to end the series.
England v West Indies 3rd Test Selections
Ollie Pope To Be England’s Top Run Scorer – 1st Innings (9/2)
Chris Woakes To Be England’s Top Wicket Taker – 1st Innings (3/1)
Alick Athanaze To Be West Indies Top Run Scorer – 1st Innings (9/2)
Jayden Seales To Be West Indies Top Run Scorer – 1st Innings (3/1)