West Indies has the edge if Root doesn't play.

Windies cherishes the test after the coronavirus quiesce: Jason ...
If Joe Root is absent for the first test as reported to witness the birth of his child,  West Indies will have the edge.  Both teams have a suspect top order. However, England top order will become even weaker without their best batsman.

The likes of Rory Burns ,Joe Denly and Ollie Pope are good batsmen but are trying to  establish themselves in the team. The likes of Roach and company will relish the opportunity to bowl at them.West Indies has the established Braithwaite and the exciting John Campbell with Hope and Chase to follow. West Indies may be ahead at the top. 

The lower middle order are strong for both teams. England has Stokes, Butler, Woakes and Curran while West Indies has Blackwood , Dorwich, Holder,  and Cornwall . Who has the stronger lower middle order? Too often, West Indies allow the opposition lower middle  order to build big partnerships because they loose composure and become impatient. West Indies cannot afford that in this series. 

Both teams have formidable bowling attacks. However, in the absence of Joe, West Indies can breathe easier.

Correspondent

C.W.Forrest




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