T20 World Cup 2021: Strongest West Indies Predicted Playing XI against England

The defending champions West Indies will lock horns with England for the Match 14 of the T20 World Cup. The batting lineup of the Kieron Pollard-led side was unable to make big contributions in the practice matches. The team thus lost both of their warm-up games. Roston Chase was the pick of the batters who hit a half-century against Afghanistan. Barring him, no other batters provided enough resistance to the team.

Skipper Kieron Pollard did show some intent with the bat scoring 23 runs off 10 balls against Pakistan in the warm-up game. Their recent form in the T20Is has been decent. The team battled it out against Australia, South Africa, and Pakistan in T20Is this year. They won the T20I series 4-1 against the depleted Australian side whereas narrowly lost to South Africa 2-1.

Talking about their strengths, the team has a lot of power hitters on their side who have dominated the shortest format. The presence of some quality all-rounders provides enough depth to their batting lineup. However, the recent form of their power hitters is a tad bit of a concern for them.

Here is West Indies’ Playing XI for ENG vs WI Match:

Openers- Lendl Simmons and Evin Lewis

Heading into this tournament, West Indies are considered as one of the strongest contenders. For the team to dominate the proceedings, the openers will have to provide steady starts to the team. Lendl Simmons might be the opening option alongside Evin Lewis for this game.

Lewis has displayed some good form with the willow lately. In the CPL, he was the second-highest run-getter of the tournament. He chipped in 426 runs from 11 matches at an average of 47.33. Playing for the Rajasthan Royals in the IPL, he fetched in some quick runs for the side.

Middle Order- Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Kieron Pollard (C)

The middle-order of West Indies is star-studded with a lot of power hitters in the side. Though Chris Gayle hasn’t appeared at his absolute best lately, one cannot write him off. He has single-handedly dominated the format and can turn the fate of the side on his day.

Shimron Hetmyer played some impressive knocks in the IPL for Delhi Capitals. He has the ability to time the ball well and sends it out of the park. He is probably one of the few players on the side who has entered the tournament with great form by his side. When it comes to finishing the game, he can stand tall for the side to complete the job.

Pooran did chip in a good amount of runs in the CPL but couldn’t carry the momentum further in the IPL. Pollard’s ability with the willow is known to all and he can very well clinch the momentum towards the team from any situation.

All Rounders- Roston Chase, Dwayne Bravo, Andre Russell

Bravo is an experienced campaigner and will have a great impact on the side. He led his side to victory in the CPL this year. The responsibility of the bowling attack will be vastly on him. Chiming in the death overs he has been instrumental for CSK in this season and will aim to reflect the same in this mega event as well.

Rostan Chase has also looked in splendid form lately. In the CPL, he was the highest run-getter of the tournament. He had smashed 446 runs in 12 matches at a healthy average of 49.55. He also hit a half-century in the practice game against Afghanistan. He can also make great contributions with the ball and thus will be an important asset of the side. Russell too can pose threat to the strongest of the positions with his excellent all-round abilities.

Bowlers- Obed McCoy and Hayden Walsh Jr.

Hayden Walsh Jr had a decent outing in the CPL. Along with Obed McCoy, he will lead the bowling unit of the West Indies. In the T20I series against South Africa, McCoy clinched a total of nine wickets from five matches. He will be determined to display his flair in the mega event.

Hayden Walsh Jr has played 23 T20I games and has scalped 23 wickets. He was the highest wicket-taker for the team in the T20I series against Australia. He picked up 12 wickets from five matches.