PREVIEW : ENGLAND VS WINDIES 2nd TEST

What a Test Match to herald the return of cricket . The first game of International cricket was a joy to behold for players and fans across the world. Despite the brilliance of Jofra Archer and whole hearted efforts from other bowlers, four missed chances- 3 at crucial stages- diminished England's hopes of a win. As well as Blackwood played, he had his lives too. But everything aside he rode his luck and as the saying is "Fortune favors the Brave", England's last Day was full of effort but lacked the precision required. There was lack of ruthlessness in their performance. No batsmen went on to score a century. Lets not get lost with the Broad issue or the toss issue. England having batted first were bowled out for 204, that is still their nemesis. West Indies deserved to win, they played exceptional cricket.

TEAM ANALYSIS :

England : With England's captain Joe Root set to slot back into the side at no.4 following the birth of his child, the obvious fall guy is Joe Denly, who once again failed to capitalize on solid starts with scores of 18 and 29 at the Ageas Bowl. I would say retain Zak Crawley who top scored with 76. He is a little bit busier and is a much improved player. Sibley, Burns, Denly all three are a bit one tempo. You need someone to make the scoreboard ticking. Denly hasn't been a disaster but I think it is time to move on with youth. I was surprised to see Stuart Broad not playing in-spite of his good performances in the past. 14 wickets at 13.42 average against South Africa. 23 wickets at an average of 27 against Australia at home. All I would say about this is that this is that if it had been the first test of an Ashes series, would he have been playing? I would say 100 % so why not against West Indies. Was it because England underestimated West Indies ?

Predicted Playing XI : Rory Burns, Dom Sibley, Zak Crawley, Joe Root (c),Ben Stokes, Ollie Pope, Jos Buttler (Wk),Dom Bess, Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad, James Anderson.

WEST INDIES : Why change a winning team ? West Indies batsmen Jermaine Blackwood played probably the best innings of his life and helped his team win the match from a difficult situation. Despite all imperfections. Blackwood's innings was memorable in its own unique way. West Indies quick since 2018 have taken 177 wickets in 15 matches with a staggering average of 21.78, second only to India. Kemar Roach is a supremely skillful bowler especially lethal to left handed batsmen . He will definitely bounce back from the setback of first test macth. It will be interesting to see who takes campbell's place if he doesn't recover from the injury suffered from toe crushing yorker of Archer.

Predicted Playing XI : K Brathwaite, John Campbell, Shai Hope, Shamarah Brooks, Roston Chase, Blackwood, Dowrich (Wk), Holder (c), Alzaari Joseph, Roach, Gabriel.

PLAYERS TO WATCH OUT FOR

Ben Stokes : "I can see why Joe loses a lot of sleep" said Ben stokes after the first test loss. Now after Root's arrival he will be free of captaincy responsibility and will be eager to perform for his team. Stokes had an exceptional 2019 and will be hoping to replicate the heroics of past year.

Jason Holder : Those who referred to Holder as being "underrated" are only showing off their own ability to look beyond their bubble of ignorance. He is no.1 Test All Rounder in the world. He doesn't need anyone's validation. He is an inspirational captain who leads from the front. The grace that he exhibits at every step has been his trademark.

"Positivity" was never disappointing as it is now. When probably the World could do with some positive thinking , every positive medical report is having a negative impact on the collective psyche of the people. Thankfully we now have sports to lean on and find comfort and also lessons. Cricket has come out victorious with no issues in it's first attempt and let's hope It stays that way.

PREVIEW : ENGLAND VS WINDIES 2nd TEST