A preview of the second Test between England and West Indies at Headingley

Another chance to shine © Getty Images Enlarge

Headingley's history

Headingley produces results more than most grounds. In fact, of the 11 Tests between these sides, there has only been one draw (in 1980). And the last time West Indies played here, in 2000 (Headingley missed out on hosting one in 2004), they were battered by an innings and 39 runs inside two days.

Traditionally a seamer's paradise, the fans at Headingley have witnessed more than their fair share of upsets, most famously "Botham's match" in 1981; there is a sense of unpredictability about the place. There are signs of it finally taking to spin, too. Mark Lawson and Adil Rashid, who both play at the ground for Yorkshire, have turned the ball quite prodigiously in the past couple of years. Nevertheless, the last spinner to take five wickets in a Test was John Emburey against Australia in 1985. Monty Panesar bowled superbly at Lord's, gaining unexpected turn (it is May, after all, not August) and with England's seamers lacking a shared radar, he might well be a force at Headingley if the weather stays fine.

Contest to watch

Kevin Pietersen and Chris Gayle's tête-a-tête at Lord's was arguably the most enthralling period of play throughout the five days. It was a mini drama, a sideshow just off the main stage. Like a couple quarrelling at the next table, you just can't help but be captivated. Pietersen can't help himself - we're used to his antagonistic ways - but to wind up Gayle was particularly impressive. Cricket's most laconic character, seemingly impassive and somehow detatched from reality, Gayle would struggle to react if a bomb was placed beneath him. But in fact, that's exactly the effect Pietersen had on him; he was ready to explode. "You're making me cross," Pietersen jibed with a wry and knowing grin, poking Gayle into life. It was all friendly enough, but don't expect either to back down at Headingley.

Man to watch

Observing Steve Harmison is like watching a tragedy unfurl in front of your eyes. Before Lord's, the signs were deliciously promising: a clutch of wickets for Durham and reportedly bowling at the speed of light. The fragile West Indian batting lineup wouldn't have a hope, we thought. But no. The looks of despondency and forlornness returned almost as quickly as the wides were flinging their way toward first slip. Everyone's backing him, of course, in a "mate, he'll be fine" sort of way. But will he? And how long will England and Peter Moores remain so loyal? Harmison could already be on borrowed time unless he fires into action in the next couple of Tests.

A pair of Sidebottoms

Ryan Sidebottom's call-up was nothing short of a shock, for us at least. His one and only Test came in 2001 against Pakistan, an inauspicious and wicketless debut, he was cast back out into the county canal. But if he does make his second Test appearance, he will leave his father Arnie as the only Sidebottom in the "one-Test wonder" club.

Crock watch

Michael Vaughan Says he will be fit to captain after recovering from a broken injury. But for how long? It will be his first Test in 18 months.

Matthew Hoggard Pulled up with a thigh injury in West Indies' first innings. Might be back for the third Test.

Andrew Flintoff Missed the first Test of the summer with his left ankle flaring up again, and failed a fitness test on Wednesday.

Weather

It's unlikely the second Test will escape from the rain. But, at least for the first two days, it ought to be dry and bright, and much less dank than the Lord's Test, although it will cool down the closer we get to Monday. Showers are forecast for the last two days of the Test, however.

Probable teams England 1 Andrew Strauss, 2 Alastair Cook, 3 Michael Vaughan (capt), 4 Kevin Pietersen, 5 Paul Collingwood, 6 Ian Bell, 7 Matt Prior (wk), 8 Liam Plunkett, 9 Ryan Sidebottom, 10 Steve Harmison, 11 Monty Panesar.

West Indies 1 Chris Gayle, 2 Daren Ganga, 3 Devon Smith, 4 Ramnaresh Sarwan (capt), 5 Shivnarine Chanderpaul, 6 Runako Morton, 7 Dwayne Bravo, 8 Denesh Ramdin (wk), 9 Daren Powell, 10 Jerome Taylor, 11 Corey Collymore.