England vs West Indies 3rd Test: 5 things to watch out for in the Wisden Trophy decider

Ben Stokes has been put under immense pressure in the recent past
Ben Stokes has been put under immense pressure in the recent past

#2 What's going on with Jofra Archer?

Jofra Archer lashed out at his critics in a column recently
Jofra Archer lashed out at his critics in a column recently

England pacer Jofra Archer hasn't had a great two weeks. A Twitter feud with former West Indian pacer Tino Best coincided with a toothless bowling display in the Southampton Test, before Archer broke bio-secure protocols on his way to Manchester, resulting in a fine and a formal warning.

Recently, in a Daily Mail column, Archer lamented the fact that he is always in the spotlight, claiming that he "cannot sneeze without it being news". He also alleged racial abuse in the wake of his poor decision to head home on his way to Old Trafford.

The 25-year-old revealed that he is unsure of playing in the 3rd Test, although Ben Stokes and Joe Root have openly stated that England need him. Even ECB Managing Director Ashley Giles threw his weight behind the under-fire fast bowler.

Archer says that he might not be in the right frame of mind to play the Test and it remains to be seen if he features in the Wisden Trophy decider.


#1 Can Ben Stokes endure his current workload?

Ben Stokes was the Man of the Match in the 2nd Test
Ben Stokes was the Man of the Match in the 2nd Test

When Ben Stokes was announced as the captain for the 1st Test, pundits called it a foolish decision because there simply isn't anyone who does more on the cricket ground than him.

And in the 2nd Test, he proved just why. After a 356-ball vigil in the first innings and an attacking cameo in the second, Stokes bowled his heart out in an aggressive spell of short-pitched bowling. This is apart from the concentration that is required to field in the slips for two whole innings.

England coach Chris Silverwood claimed that the team is going to consider rotating the all-rounder, but with the series on the line, the decision to drop him will be a very controversial one. With the batting lineup inexperienced and the bowling attack not settled, the Three Lions need Stokes more than they ever have.

The Durham man felt some stiffness towards the end of his marathon effort in the 2nd Test, and understandably so. Ben Stokes will probably play the 3rd Test, but can he take the massive workload he has been put under?


Also Read: England vs West Indies 2nd Test: 5 talking points as spectacular Stokes pulls hosts level

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