After an embarassing 381-run loss in the first Test, tourists England look to redeem themselves in a country where they have traditionally struggled. England have few positives to take away from the horrible loss in the first Test and they will hope to turn things around in the second Test. They could bring in more bowling personnel by letting go of a few all-round options.
West Indies, meanwhile, would be ecstatic that they had England on the mat in the first Test of the tour and would look to carry forward their performance to the second Test to seal the series. Their strength is the pace attack and with England down and out, they will want to dominate proceedings from the word go.
Conditions: Sluggish with zip and carry early on for pacers. Batting could again be tricky early on.
Player Recommendations:
Wicket-keeper: Ben Foakes (8.5 credits)
The England keeper showcased his true mettle in Sri Lanka with a few knocks under pressure and would hope to do the same on wickets that are two paced. Batting hasn't been easy but Holder and Dowrich showed that runs could be there for the taking if you dig in. Given his immense temperament, Foakes is likely to be one key player for England.
Batsman: Shai Hope (9.5 credits)
Stylish and elegant, Hope loves the English attack and showed as much in his twin hundreds at Edgbaston last year. A prolific player when on song, Hope is among the best of West Indies'
After an embarassing 381-run loss in the first Test, tourists England look to redeem themselves in a country where they have traditionally struggled. England have few positives to take away from the horrible loss in the first Test and they will hope to turn things around in the second Test. They could bring in more bowling personnel by letting go of a few all-round options.
West Indies, meanwhile, would be ecstatic that they had England on the mat in the first Test of the tour and would look to carry forward their performance to the second Test to seal the series. Their strength is the pace attack and with England down and out, they will want to dominate proceedings from the word go.
Conditions: Sluggish with zip and carry early on for pacers. Batting could again be tricky early on.
Player Recommendations:
Wicket-keeper: Ben Foakes (8.5 credits)
The England keeper showcased his true mettle in Sri Lanka with a few knocks under pressure and would hope to do the same on wickets that are two paced. Batting hasn't been easy but Holder and Dowrich showed that runs could be there for the taking if you dig in. Given his immense temperament, Foakes is likely to be one key player for England.
Batsman: Shai Hope (9.5 credits)
Stylish and elegant, Hope loves the English attack and showed as much in his twin hundreds at Edgbaston last year. A prolific player when on song, Hope is among the best of West Indies' batsmen and will hope to thwart a depressed England bowling attack at North Sound.
All-rounder: Jason Holder (9.5 credits)
A double hundred aside, Holder was clever and penetrative with the ball and will be a key player yet again for the Windies. The skipper is a terrific batsman under pressure and has time and again saved the hosts from collapses. He is in form and itching to bring home that series.
Bowler: Shannon Gabriel (8.5 credits)
The last thing England want to face with West Indies in form is a pumped up Shannon Gabriel. A skiddy bowler with fearsome pace, Gabriel can ruffle a few feathers when in rhythm but he had little to do in the first Test with Roach taking centre stage. When the opportunity does come, though, expect Gabriel to pose a bigger threat.
Captain: Shai Hope
Vice-captain: Jason Holder
