The decider of the historic test series between the host nation England and the visitors West Indies began today at Old Trafford where the 2nd test happened as well.
The series is evenly poised with both teams winning a game each with everything to play for in this decider. West Indies captain Jason Holder won the toss and opted to bowl first on a decent wicket to bat.
ENG vs WI 3rd Test: 5 players who could shine in the series decider
The England captain Joe Root is a pale shadow of his former self in the recent past. He looked out of touch in his comeback game in 2nd test after not playing the 1st one and here again in the 3rd test, he wasn’t looking at his best although he got a good start and was looking to end his lean patch but the most valuable player for West Indies in this series in Roston Chase had other ideas.
When the southpaw Rory Burns tried to take a quick single after dabbing one to short third man, Joe Root found himself short of the crease at the striker’s end as he couldn’t complete the single before Roston Chase’s direct hit.
The day started with a bang for West Indies as Kemar Roach dismissed the hero for England in the 2nd test in Dominic Sibley by pinning him in the front. It was another poor call from Jason Holder to win the toss and opting to field after the decision back fired in the 2nd test. They also have 2 spinners in the form of Roston Chase and Rakheem Cornwall who could have posed even more challenge to the English batsmen on a 5th day wicket or in other words if West Indies were defending.
Watch: Dom Bess rips through Jason Holder’s defence with a magical delivery
England have dropped their lucky charm in Sam Curran and decided to play Chris Woakes ahead of Sam Curran which would mean a 4 men pace attack excluding Ben Stokes as the all-rounder is carrying a niggle.
For more cricket news, click