THE EDGE: The Edge previews the 3rd Test between ENGLAND v WEST INDIES.
England v West Indies 3rd Test
MATCH OVERVIEW:
England and West Indies move to Edgbaston for the 3rd Test with a series win already in the bag for England. West Indies showed more life in the 2nd Test, even getting England to trade in the 1.5’s on Betdaq Betting Exchange, but it was all over quite quickly when the second innings started. England set a target of 385 after West Indies took a lead from the 1st Test, but Shoaib Bashir absolutely ripped through the West Indies as they crashed out all for 143. Obviously West Indies showed what talent they have scoring 457 in the first innings at Trent Bridge but as we all know a batting collapse is never far away – their other three innings have finished with 121, 136 and 143.
That’s always the tough part of West Indies cricket; they rarely tend to put it all together. They have some hugely talented players, but as we know Test cricket is absolutely unforgiving. They did well for the first half of the 2nd Test, but as I said above, trouble is never far away. From an England point of view, it was a nice start to life without Jimmy Anderson. They have also found an excellent spinner in Shoaib Bashir who wasn’t even first choice at Somerset – although Jack Leach was always the first choice there in fairness. England just need to keep doing what they are doing, and anything bar a comfortable win would be a surprise.
As I said heading into this series, in terms of visitors for Test cricket this summer, you can’t get weaker than West Indies and Sri Lanka from the top tier nations. It was always going to be an “easy” summer for England, and so far it’s working out that way. Maybe this is a chance for England to have a look at some fringe players; but it’s hard to see past another win for the home side.
WEATHER AND PITCH WATCH:
Edgbaston is always a brilliant place for cricket; usually known for its superb atmosphere especially on T20 Blast Finals day! The last Test hosted here was the very dramatic Ashes Test that Australia won by two wickets. It has turned into a result venue over the last few years; we’ve had results in the last eight Tests here going back to 2015. The last time West Indies were here they lost by an innings and 209 runs; surely it can’t get much worse! The forecast looks set fair, with perhaps spin coming into it late on if the Test goes that far.
RECOMMENDED BET:
Once again England are red-hot favourites here. They started the series at 1.2 to win the 1st Test, dropped to 1.14 for the 2nd Test and they are currently trading 1.15 to win this Test. It’s hard to argue with that price from an outright point of view. Obviously West Indies have the talent to make England trade higher at some point – as they did in the 2nd Test with the first innings lead – however it’s hard to see them putting it all together over the course of the full Test to actually cause an upset. I don’t see anything bar and England win here, but I’m not going to tip a 1.15 shot – no prizes for those prices!
The Edge Says:
No Bet.
View the market here -> https://betdaq.biz/EngWI3
IN-RUNNING STRATEGY:
Much like the first two Tests, the market only becomes interesting if West Indies start well and England drift. The England batting looks very solid at the moment though; the 2nd Test was the first time in history they scored over 400 in both innings which is a remarkable stat really! I feel the strategy is pretty straightforward here in my opinion; I think the best option is to sit on your hands until England possibly trade 1.3+ and then it’s time to get involved.
