Why England vs West Indies ODI series crucial for World Cup 2027 qualification?
England and the West Indies are currently placed eighth and ninth in the ICC ODI rankings.
Hosts England (ENG) and the West Indies (WI) are currently playing a three-match ODI series, which will feature some exciting and young players from both teams. This series could also impact the ODI rankings of the sides heading into the ODI World Cup, which will take place in 2027.
Both teams have endured a poor run in the 50-over format over the past couple of years. The Caribbean giants may have won their last two ODI series, but their performances have remained inconsistent. The island nation failed to qualify for the ODI World Cup in 2023 and the Champions Trophy this season. This marked the first time the two-time world champions failed to qualify for both of these major international tournaments.
The England team may have carved out a niche in Test cricket and performed reasonably well in T20Is, but the same cannot be said for their ODI side. The English side has not only lost their last three ODI series but also failed in the last two ICC events. The Three Lions failed to reach the playoffs of the World Cup and endured a dismal run in the Champions Trophy as well. These performances led to a change in leadership, with Jos Buttler stepping down as England’s white-ball skipper and being replaced by Harry Brook.
England announce Playing XI for 1st ODI against West Indies
Why England and West Indies have their World Cup qualification at stake?
The rankings of both teams tell the full story, with England currently placed eighth in the ICC ODI rankings with 2,615 points and a rating of 84. The West Indies are close behind, sitting ninth with 2,347 points and a rating of 81. Since the top eight-ranked sides automatically qualify for the World Cup, this series will be crucial for both teams.
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7The team finishing in ninth place ahead of the cut-off date will have to play in the qualifiers for the tournament. This comes with the risk of missing out on one of the biggest international events in the sport, as only the top two teams from the qualifiers will secure a spot in the global tournament.
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