The only way is Yorkshire for England in 3rd Test with Windies
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Confidence is beginning to return to the England (odds-on at 4/6) camp after their second Test victory over the West Indies (11/2) to make the score 1-0 going into the final match of the series in Barbados.
Peter Moores has Yorkshire batting duo Joe Root and Gary Ballance to thank for in Granada, with the former hitting a brilliant unbeaten 182 in the first innings, while the latter got 77 and then 81 not out.
These rising stars in the game of cricket, who both average 57 and 67 respectively now in Test matches, also represent a county that was so dominant in the domestic league last season. They are both priced at 9/2 to be best England batsman in the first innings.
The likes of other Yorkies Adam Lyth, Adil Rashid and Liam Plunkett are all waiting in the wings, being in the squad, and should all get their chance to prove themselves in the final Test.
While it is great to see Jonathan Trott return to the international stage, he has been thrown in as opener in the first two Tests, which is not his favoured position. He should make way for uncapped Lyth, who was the top scorer in the 2014 County Championship Division One.
It would be pointless of Moores, meanwhile, if Rashid (4/1 to be best England bowler), who has played in ODIs for England, is not given a chance this series. The leg-spinning all-rounder would be an excellent addition and should be put in place of Ben Stokes, who has failed with bat and ball in the Caribbean.
Then, Plunkett (7/2), who was impressive for England’s Test side last summer, is a decent shout to replace Chris Jordan for what will be a pitch that favours pace. Jordan is Barbados-born but, like Stokes, has been ordinary with bat and ball, so Moores should see past sentiments for his homecoming.
As for captain Alastair Cook, he put in a much more assured performance in the second Test, getting knocks of 76 and 59 not out, and he is a 4/1 chance to be best England batsman in the first innings.
For the hosts, Marlon Samuels and Kraigg Brathwaite both hit hundreds in Grenada. The duo are priced at 4/1 to get the highest total in the first innings for the Windies.
Leg spinner Devendra Bishoo, meanwhile, showed great endurance last time out, as he bowled almost double the amount of overs of any other from both sides. He got four wickets in the first innings to show for his effort, though, and is a tempting 5/1 shout to get the best figures for his team once more.