The third and final Test match between England and the visiting West Indies gets underway on Friday. England have won the first two matches in the series fairly comprehensively, and they are now looking to complete a 3-0 sweep of the tourists.
The first Test saw an emphatic three-day England victory to cap off the excellent career of Jimmy Anderson, who claimed two wickets in an innings and 114-run rout at Lords.
The second Test was somewhat tighter, but England won by 241 runs after bowling West Indies out for 143 in the second innings. Shoaib Bashir became the first spin bowler since 2006 to take five wickets in a Test match at Trent Bridge, and batsman Harry Brook secured his first Test century at home.
Meanwhile, West Indies lost star spinner Gudakesh Motie to illness on the morning of the first day at Trent Bridge. He played no part in the match, but is set to return on Friday. Rookie pacer Jeremiah Louis, however, will be absent due to a hamstring injury, and he will be replaced by Akeem Jordan.
Notwithstanding the three-match series is already lost, former West Indies fast bowler Ian Bishop says the game starting Friday still has something in it for his successors in maroon. Bishop, a world-renowned commentator, offered words of encouragement to the young West Indies squad.
Stay positive
Bishop, in his message, urged the team to stay positive and look to learn from their mistakes. He highlighted that dwelling on their defeats wouldn’t be productive and that the squad should instead focus on using this experience as a chance to improve.
“If the guys could hear me now, they have to pick themselves up,” he offered. “I know it’s hard, and I know maybe a lot of the mental energy was drained by their application with the bat in that first innings, magnificent score, and the sort of capitulation in the second innings, but Edgbaston is important to continue learning.”
Bishop’s words came in a video shared by Cricket West Indies via their social platforms. He asked the team to maintain their spirits, calling on them to regroup and turn their attention to future challenges. The Trinidadian reminded the young squad of the importance of pulling the maroon cap on with passion and pride.
Looking ahead, Bishop emphasised the importance of the impending series against South Africa. This series presents a golden opportunity for the West Indies to bounce back and regain some much-needed confidence.
“The Richard Botham Trophy goes to England, but then there’s a South African series on the back end,” he noted. “So you, one to one, know you represent the people of the West Indies. In every game, you play with pride. And that should be enough to energise you and if that’s not enough, you’re coming up against South Africa in less than a week or about a week’s time later on. And you want to go there with confidence. So there’s still a lot to play for a team that’s still learning.”
England will be keen to finish the series with a clean sweep, whilst West Indies will be playing for pride. Edgbaston has historically been a fortress for the hosts, and Ben Stokes‘ men will be eager to extend that dominance.
The Windies, despite their struggles, showed glimpses of resilience in the second Test. Kraigg Brathwaite’s doggedness has seen him move up the ICC Test rankings, and the occasional burst from the lower order will give them hope. However, England’s batting firepower, led by the likes of Ben Duckett and Joe Root, coupled with their potent pace attack, makes them overwhelming favourites.
Personnel changes
Louis has been ruled out of the final Test against England due to a hamstring injury
West Indies have called up fast bowler Akeem Jordan in place of Louis for the third Test. Jordan is yet to make his debut in the longest format but has represented West Indies in two ODIs. Jordan joined the squad on Wednesday, July 24, participating in the training session at Edgbaston — the venue for the last Test.
Louis, who was yet to play a Test in the series, suffered the hamstring injury during the second match at Trent Bridge. He will continue to travel with the team to receive treatment.
