England vs West Indies 3rd test Lords

[andy]

Well who expected this...a 3rd test decider at Lords..hopefully weather is good and can get a good full well played game of cricket in..

3rd test match thread

[Arthur Crabtree]

I guess WI will be unchanged. Just a query over whether TRJ replaces Woakes or if Crane takes the place of Westley/Malan. Probably neither.

[DiligentDefence]

I would be surprised if either side changed unless there are injuries.

[andy]

Wouldn't mind seeing Crane debut, had the series been sewn up think he would have done, now not so sure.... also i know not related but suprised how Root has under-bowled himself since becoming captain

[andy]

Feels like an incredibly long break between test matches...

[Slipstream]

If Crane plays would that mean they need Woakes for his batting rather than Roland-Jones? Some batsmen you hold your breath for a while until they get in and some batsmen you feel very relaxed when they come to the crease. Root, Stokes and Woakes are those for me although Root does get a few dropped catches.

Cook
Stoneman
Malan
Root
Stokes
Woakes (they would never put him at 6, he would be at 8 - but he has 9 f/c 100s)
Bairstow
Ali
Broad
Anderson
Crane

[andy]

The closer we get the less likely i think it is that Crane is going to play....England desperately won't wanna lose this series to the west indies, so they will go with what they know

[andy]

Toby Roland-Jones confirmed to come back in for Chris Woakes

[Arthur Crabtree]

Cricinfo suggesting Cummins/Joseph will come in for Bishoo.

[andy]

I'd stick with Bishoo, flat pitch at Lords, leg spinner variety is something you might want on that deck...WI's attack, 3 seamers, 2 spinners with chase good combo....although to be honest, Holder massively under-bowled Bishoo, and still no idea why..

[Arthur Crabtree]

That was their reason Bish will be dropped- Holder didn't want to bowl him.

[Durhamfootman]

does this start tomorrow?

[andy]

yes mate

[Durhamfootman]

are they going to rest Stokes?

After all if he's too tired to play 20 overs, then he must be pretty shagged out and in need of rest tomorrow

[Arthur Crabtree]

Apparently he's playing. England have named their team. He'll have to make sure he doesn't accrue any more disciplinary points though otherwise he might have to be left off the promotional material for Brisbane.