West Indies vs England 3rd Test : Preview, Predicted Playing XI and Fantasy XI

The Caribbeans plundered the English side by 10 wickets in the second test at Antigua to take an unbeatable 2-0 lead in the series. The hosts will now aim for second consecutive Test sweep at home (Previous vs Bangladesh 2-0). The visitors will look to avoid a clean sweep and salvage some pride when the two teams face-off in the third and final test at the Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium near Gros Islet (St Lucia) from Saturday, February 9.

West Indies

The hosts have been on a roll in home conditions and will aim to continue their good work into the final match. Meanwhile, they will be without Jason Holder due to his suspension for slow over rate, and in his absence, Kraigg Brathwaite will bear the captaincy duties.

Batting

The West Indian top order will once again hold the key. Shai Hope (44) came into the fore in the previous game and the home side will need him to make it better in the third Test. Kraigg Brathwaite, Shane Dowrich, Shimron Hetmyer, and John Campbell have been amongst the runs for hosts and are likely to make an impact in final test as well.

Bowling

Kemar Roach has been their key wicket taker this series and has 13 wickets in two games While Roston Chase and Alzarri Joseph have shared 15 wickets among them and have not been an easy hit for the visitors and in the absence of Jason Holder, these three will be crucial for the hosts. Shannon Gabriel picked a three-for in the previous game.

Expected Playing XI

Kraigg Brathwaite (C), John Campbell, Shai Hope, Darren Bravo, Roston Chase, Shimron Hetmyer, Shane Dowrich (W), Keemo Paul, Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph, and Shannon Gabriel.

England

England aims to end the Test series on a high

England were completely drubbed in both Tests. They have not been able to adapt to the conditions and have been clueless against the Caribbean attack. Though with the series already lost, they won't be under pressure and one may expect them to counter-attack in the final Test.

Batting

The English batters are finding it difficult to challenge the dominating West Indian pacers, evident by the fact that only two of their batsmen have managed to cross the 100 run mark (total of runs in both games) in four outings. The failure of Joe Root and Jos Butter has been a matter of concern for the visitors and they will need these two to make a mark in this game.

Bowling

The bowling unit is doing its work but all their good work is being undone by the batters. Ben Stokes (eight wickets) has been quite impressive in the series so far. Moeen Ali and James Anderson both have snared seven in the series so far and Stuart Broad took a three-wicket haul last time.

Expected Playing XI

Joe Root (C), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, Ben Foakes, Chris Woakes/Jack Leach, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Rory Burns, Joe Denly, and Jonny Bairstow.

Fantasy XI Prediction

Joe Root (C), Kraigg Brathwaite, Ben Stokes, James Anderson, Jos Buttler, Shane Dowrich (W), Kemar Roach, Roston Chase, Alazarri Joseph, Rory Burns, and John Campbell.