ENG v WI, 2nd ODI Preview: Delirious visitors aim to nullify the paranoia; England calm and untroubled

Windies are on the brink of facing one of the greatest insults and the only way they can thwart that from happening is beating England in this series. After registering a thumping win in the first ODI, it’d be scarcely surprising if they steamroll their Caribbean counterparts. Nevertheless, there was no dearth of drama or entertainment in the first game and another such encounter is pretty much on cards.

Understanding things from the Windies’ perspective, openers Chirs Gayle and Evin Lewis firing on all cylinders was probably the only positive aspect of the game. Middle order batters got starts but failed to build something notable. Bowlers were hammered to all parts thanks to Jonny Bairstow’s blistering hundred.

England, on the other hand, did have some issues combating Evin Lewis and Gayle but they were in the driver’s seat, controlling the entire game brilliantly. They were never really tested on the big day as the quantum of effort from the other side was below par. They can disregard their opponents’ potential at their own peril, but to say Windies will beat England doesn’t sound rational by any stretch of imagination.

Toss: Windies won the toss and opted to field

Playing XI:

Windies: Evin Lewis, Kyle Hope, Shai Hope(w), Marlon Samuels, Jason Mohammed, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder(c), Ashley Nurse, Jerome Taylor, Miguel Cummins, Kesrick Williams

England: Jonny Bairstow, Alex Hales, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan(c), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler(w), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Liam Plunkett, David Willey

Chris Gayle has been ruled out of the ODI with injury

Focus will be on

Jason Holder (Windies)

Jason Holder has been performing consistently with both bat and ball, but that somehow is going unnoticed. Nevertheless, his contribution in pulling their team past the 200-mark was remarkable in the first ODI and with the ball in hand, he is always a threat. With so much at stake for his side, there ain’t a better occasion for the skipper to lead from the front.

Joe Root (England)

The day he doesn’t score runs, people get perplexed as though a meteor from the sky has just landed on planet earth. This is Joe Root’s consistency described in a nutshell. Rated as one of the finest young talents in the world, his contributions to the side have been impeccable and given he manages to score few runs, which he normally does, England will be well on their way towards clean sweeping their wounded opponents.

Playing combinations

England

Alex Hales and Jonny Bairstow will be at the helm of the batting order facing the new ball music. Joe Root will come in at number three, followed by Eoin Morgan, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali. Chris Wokes, Liam Plunkett and David Willey down the lane can hit the long ball as well, adding more firepower to the lower middle.

It’d be really surprising if any of the fast bowlers get dropped or rested. Liam Plunkett, David Willey, and Chris Woakes will be sharing the burden with Ben Stokes being the other reliable fast bowling option. Spinners Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid are well capable of completing their 10-over quota on any day, making their lineup complete, resolute and immeasurably powerful.

West Indies 

Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis will open the batting for the Windies, with the on song Shai Hope coming in at number 3. Marlon Samuels’ experience at number 4 will be invaluable whilst the likes of Rovman Powell, Jason Mohammad, and Jason Holder comprise the middle order.

Visitors might bring in an extra fast bowling option in Miguel Cummins, which would mean Ashley Nurse will be axed. Jerome Taylor and Cummins might share the new ball, with Jason Holder, Kesrick Williams and Devendra Bishoo adding more stability to the bowling contingent.

StatAttack

444 – ODI cricket’s highest team total was recorded at the Trent Bridge last year, which indicates a run fest on Thursday.

10 – Both these teams will lock horns at this venue for the first time in 10 years.

5 – West Indies have won 5 of their 6 games played at Trent Bridge.