West Indies v England Cricket Betting
Result : England won this series by 3 - 0 in tests
Well, the series has now been won by England but how can the Windies do in the third test? They've shown glimpses of what they can do but have lacked the ability to establish some good partnerships. The return of the gutsy Chanderpaul has brought back some grit to their batting line up. Shame that he hasn't been available all the way through because he is a real test for any bowling attack.
Windies not the force they were?
It's funny how the tables turn. All cricketing fans will remember the dominant West Indies side of a mere decade or so ago. This was a team with a bowling attack most feared by batsmen and a batting lineup that worked in tandem. Their rapid decline has now left them as rank outsiders against the major Test-playing nations, especially when playing away from home.
The statistics of their last 50 Tests outside the Carribbean are depressing to say the least. The West Indies have lost 38, drawn 7 and only won 5. The new captain, Ramnaresh Sarwan, certainly has a tough task on his hands.
Meanwhile, England's recent home record is most promising; they've won 14 of their last 20 Tests, drawn 4 and lost only 2. And at home against the West Indies, they've won 7 and lost just 1. So odds are on that we can expect an England Test series win. If that's the case, then it's also probably a very good bet that England will go on to win the One Day International series as well.
Key Players
Now that Lara has retired, Kevin Pietersen is undoubtedly the best batsman on either side and the English openers, Andrew Strauss and Alastair Cook should be superior to that of duo, Gayle and Ganga. The youngster, Dwayne Bravo still shows great promise and perhaps he will inspire great things from his team. His bowling is inventive and on the field he possesses fine skills. More importantly, he exudes a much needed confidence.
However, England now have a fine aggressive spinner in the big-hearted Monty Panesar whose impact could be significant. Perhaps these two players will provide the spark to the fireworks.
Steve Harmison - a series winner
However, based on his impressive early season form, the man of the series could well be fast bowler, Steve Harmison. Although he?s struggled in the past few seasons, if he hits peak form, he could well emulate those great West Indies fast bowlers of the past. Certainly England need an in-form Harmison as their present attack relies far too much on Andrew Flintoff as a strike bowler.
It should be an exciting and keenly fought contest with both teams having much to prove. And although the West Indies have gone so long without success away from home, it's as well to remember that cricket's a funny game, so let's not be too sure it'll go all England's way!
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