NORTH SOUND, Antigua, CMC – The West Indies will look to capitalize on their sport three win towards Sri Lanka of their final ODI. This time, they face an England aspect searching for a recent begin on the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on Thursday within the opening sport of their three-match collection.
The West Indies face an ongoing problem in adapting their T20-oriented mindset to the ODI format. Their latest tour of Sri Lanka highlighted this, with solely Sherfane Rutherford providing resistance in an in any other case one-sided 2-1 collection loss.
But, the Caribbean staff typically finds one other degree when internet hosting England, particularly at dwelling venues the place followers add a singular vitality.
Shai Hope stays the muse of West Indies’ batting, however Rutherford’s bettering kind brings optimism. The return of Shimron Hetmyer boosts a batting order complemented by a bowling lineup tailor-made for dwelling situations.
Opener Evin Lewis will probably be on the hunt for extra runs after scoring a century within the closing ODI towards Sri Lanka. On the similar time, his opening companion, Brandon King, could discover dwelling situations extra favorable to start out placing some scores collectively.
Romario Shepherd could also be again in line to companion with Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, and Gudakesh Motie.
The pitch situations could possibly be a defining issue on this collection. Whereas West Indies have extra expertise, England’s younger squad is unpredictable sufficient to make this collection difficult to name.
England’s captain, Jos Buttler, is lacking out because of damage, and Liam Livingstone steps in as captain for the primary time.
This squad has a extra established core than the experimental group that performed towards Australia. It options the return of all-rounder Sam Curran and the thrilling inclusions of wrist spinners Rehan Ahmed and Jafer Chohan.
One of many extra intriguing inclusions is Michael-Kyle Pepper, a dynamic batsman identified for his distinctive model, which he has demonstrated in each the T20 Blast and The Hundred. Pepper may open with Phil Salt, bringing a brand new dimension to England’s prime order.
With regulars Harry Brook and Jamie Smith rested, this tour is a main alternative for fringe gamers, together with Livingstone, who is keen to solidify his ODI profession, to make their case for future choice.
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