PartialLogo
Cricket tips

West Indies v England: betting update and analysis on the second Test in Antigua

Jonny Bairstow stands firm as West Indies fast bowlers strike on day one

England captain Joe Root is caught off the bowling of Alzarri Joseph in Antigua
England captain Joe Root is caught off the bowling of Alzarri Joseph in AntiguaCredit: Shaun Botterill

TV: Sky Sports Cricket, resumes 4.40pm Thursday

West Indies v England: second Test
Lunch (day one) England 78-4 (Bairstow 52 not out, Joseph 2-18).

Best prices 7-5 West Indies, 5-6 England, 12-1 draw.

England began the second Test in Antigua with yet another new opening partnership but it was a familiar story as the West Indies dismissed Rory Burns, debutant Joe Denly, captain Joe Root and Jos Buttler on the first morning.

Denly, replacing Keaton Jennings at the top of the order, narrowly survived a review of an lbw decision before a loose dismissal off Alzarri Joseph's first ball at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

He followed Burns back to the pavilion and worse was to come for England as the Windies franked skipper Jason Holder's decision to bowl first on a green-tinged pitch.

Despite their 381-run drubbing in the first Test, England had been 8-13 favourites to level the three-match series.

However, after one session of the second Test they are out to 5-6 with the West Indies 7-5 and much depending on Jonny Bairstow, unbeaten on 52 after hitting nine fours and a six in an entertaining counter-attacking effort.

Sky Bet make Bairstow 7-4 to convert that start into a century while at the lunch interval Hills set England's first-innings runs line at 247.5.

England have at least passed one milestone, reaching the break at 78-4 – one run more than they were bowled out for in the first innings of the first Test in Barbados.


Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport

Like us on Facebook RacingPostSport

Racing Post Sport

Published on inCricket tips

Last updated

iconCopy