Big image – Final throes for 50-overs in 2023
Ding after which dong. Punch after which counterpunch. The collection arrange for a decider in Bridgetown. England discovered their ft after being wobbled within the first recreation however West Indies can nonetheless come again off the ropes with the purpose of touchdown a knockout blow beneath the Kensington Oval floodlights this weekend.
Buttler described himself afterwards as “fed up” together with his lack of runs, and you observed he could be equally dischuffed if his workforce have been to let the momentum slip once more. England have misplaced 11 of twenty-two accomplished ODIs this calendar yr, and won’t play the format once more till September 2024. Taking the collection spoils would scarcely make up for the frustration of the World Cup however it will no less than imply they will put 50-over cricket to mattress with a mug of cocoa earlier than ideas to the T20s and one other looming title defence.
Form information
West Indies LWLWL (final 5 accomplished ODIs, most up-to-date first)
England WLWWL
In the highlight – Phil Salt and Alzarri Joseph
West Indies’ new-ball bowling has come beneath as-Salt in each video games, and it has wanted the introduction of spin to calm issues down. At 27, Alzarri Joseph is probably the most skilled member of this assault and, newly appointed as Hope’s vice-captain, he carries a weight of additional duty throughout this collection. He bowled higher than figures of 1 for 65 within the first recreation recommend, however was manhandled through the opening exchanges within the second ODI – a three-over spell of 0 for 38 setting the tone for England to race away. With Oshane Thomas taking part in worldwide cricket for the primary time in two years and Romario Shepherd extra of an all-round choice, West Indies want Joseph to be their innovative.
Team news – Pope to pop in?
West Indies have been unchanged in Antigua however might look to stiffen the batting by bringing in Kjorn Ottley for his first look since 2021. Roston Chase presents an allrounder choice on his dwelling floor.
West Indies (possible): 1 Alick Athanaze, 2 Brandon King, 3 Keacy Carty/Kjorn Ottley, 4 Shai Hope (capt & wk), 5 Shimron Hetmyer, 6 Sherfane Rutherford, 7 Romario Shepherd, 8 Yannic Cariah, 9 Alzarri Joseph, 10 Gudakesh Motie, 11 Oshane Thomas
England, too, have caught with the identical XI and would possibly see little motive to tinker for the deciding match – in any other case Ollie Pope, ostensibly within the Caribbean to proceed his rehab from a shoulder damage, and John Turner would maybe be pushing tougher for debuts within the format. Jofra Archer additionally educated with England on Friday however will not be in rivalry.
England (possible): 1 Will Jacks, 2 Phil Salt, 3 Zak Crawley, 4 Ben Duckett, 5 Harry Brook, 6 Jos Buttler (capt & wk), 7 Liam Livingstone, 8 Sam Curran, 9 Brydon Carse, 10 Rehan Ahmed, 11 Gus Atkinson.
Pitch and situations
Stats and trivia
Quotes
“I still feel like I can affect games of cricket for England and that’s the major bonus for me at the moment. The ball’s coming out of my hand really well and I know for a fact that things are going to change around with the bat.”
Liam Livingstone guarantees higher occasions with the bat after his starring position with the ball.
Alan Gardner is a deputy editor at ESPNcricinfo. @alanroderick
Source web site: www.espncricinfo.com