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With the series outcome now decided, England look to complete a 3-0 sweep over West Indies, whose four innings collapse cost them at Trent Bridge after competing well for so long.
DATE/TIME: Friday 26th July 2024 – UK – 11:00am / India – 3:30pm / US EST – 6:00am / US PST – 3:00am
VENUE: Edgbaston, Birmingham, England
WEATHER: Dry weather forecast on all five days with plenty of sunshine and high temperatures that should reach well over 20c by Day 3 onwards.
HOW TO WATCH ON TV: UK – Sky Sports / INDIA – Sony Sports / US – Willow TV
HOW TO WATCH ONLINE: UK – Sky Go / INDIA – Sony LIV / US – Willow TV
ENGLAND FORM: BASHIR IN THE SPOTLIGHT AFTER SPINNING HOSTS TO VICTORY
It was spin to win for England in the second Test after third innings hundreds from Harry Brook and Joe Root set West Indies a substantial fourth innings victory target. But after a solid start from the tourists, Shoaib Bashir then left them floundering, taking five wickets with support from the pace-bowling trio of Woakes, Wood and Atkinson.
LAST FIVE: WWLLL
WEST INDIES FORM: THREE DEFEATS IN FOUR NOW FOR WINDIES AFTER DAY 4 MELTDOWN
At 61 without loss chasing 385 to win, West Indies fans could at least allow themselves to dream. But before you knew it, a cluster of wickets left them 91/6 and staring down the barrel at another thrashing. The margin of defeat ended up being 241 runs with batting collapses becoming a habit for them across this series.
LAST FIVE: LLWLD
ENGLAND BETTING ANALYSIS
On what is likely to be a batting paradise in Birmingham, bettors would be wise to pool their resources into England’s key batters. Three of them already boasts centuries across this series and it would be no surprise if Zak Crawley was to join the party in the third Test. Having yet to really cash in this series, it feels like his turn to go big, on a ground which should suit him down to the ground. Back Crawley to score a fifty in this match and those willing to place a riskier bet with a higher reward can back the England opener to score a hundred.
Harry Brook was imperious at Trent Bridge and really does look the part for the home team, a star of all-formats for years to come most likely. It would be no surprise if Brook was to pick up right where he left off in Nottingham and is well worth backing to finish as England’s top first innings batter.
WEST INDIES BETTING ANALYSIS
West Indies’ bowlers may well end up toiling on a batter’s pitch but their bowling attack should still manage to gain wickets. Alzarri Joseph was excellent in the second Test, recording five wickets across the game, three wickets in the first innings and two in the third. Back Joseph to repeat that feat here and accumulate over 2.5 match wickets.
It would be remiss not to mention Kavem Hodge, who hit an excellent 120 last time out batting at number five. When you consider the tendency of this Windies batting line-up to lose wickets in bundles, the smart move would be investing in player who has runs in the back against this England side. Therefore, consider backing Hodge with a small stake to finish as their top first innings batter.
ENGLAND VS WEST INDIES EXPERT PREDICTION
Although at one stage West Indies looked like they could give England a fright in the second Test, the hosts ended up winning at a canter again. At Edgbaston, it’s very difficult not to envisage the same outcome. The pitch should be a belter from a batting perspective and you’d expect free-scoring ‘Bazball’ to be in full effect when England get their chance.
In the end, West Indies across the five days are expected to struggle keeping a lid on England batters, ultimately leaving their own with too much do when you consider the level of concentration that will be required against the pace of Mark Wood in particular. Back the England batters to fill their boots, particular Joe Root, who should rack up another 80 runs at least.
ENGLAND VS WEST INDIES TIP: JOE ROOT TO SCORE OVER 79.5 MATCH RUNS