West Indies vs Ireland, 1st ODI: Match Preview, Playing XI and broadcast details

West Indies and Ireland are all set to kick start the New Year with a three-match ODI series, followed by a one-off T20 match. The first ODI will be played on the 8th of January at The Sabina Park, Jamaica. The ODI series will be a part of the ICC ODI Super League.

Kieron Pollard has come back as the captain for the Windies after an injury. Paul Stirling and Shane Getkade are still under the lense to be available after the Covid-19 outbreak in the Irish camp.

Ireland played the USA in a T20I series recently. They lost the first match but were able to make a comeback in the next one, eventually leveling the series 1-1. At the end of the series, Covid-19 broke in the Irish camp, and many players and support staff had to go under quarantine, including their star opener Paul Stirling.

The opener is a crucial part of the squad, and his availability is always of value to the team. He has an average of close to 39 in ODI cricket and has guided his team to many victories, including the historic win against England in 2019.

The Men in Maroon, on the other hand, have the Big Man returning to the side as the captain after missing the tour to Pakistan due to an injury. Nicholas Pooran led the side in the three-match T20 series, but to everyone’s wonder, they were whitewashed in the series. After some forgetful displays in recent times, they would want to take on the opportunity and emerge victorious in this series. After all, they have an upper hand with the home conditions.

Pitch and conditions

The playing conditions at Sabina Park are neutral to play on. With the ball coming on the bat well, the batsmen will have a good outing. The ball tends to hold on to the surface as the game progresses, assisting spinners in the latter half. The team winning the toss would look to bat first, to try and take advantage of the challenging conditions later on.

Playing Combinations for West Indies vs Ireland

West Indies

With Kieron Pollard now available and able to lead the side, West Indies will have a better depth in their batting. They are a relatively young team, and the senior members of the team will have a big responsibility in their hands. The ideal team will have a balanced combination of spinners, all-rounders and fast bowlers in the side.

Predicted XI: Shai Hope, Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Kieron Pollard, Justin Greaves, Jason Holder, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Odean Smith, Jayden Seales

Ireland

The availability of Stirling and Getkate  is still subjected to a negative Covid result. The two were reported to stay under quarantine till the 9th of January in Florida.

Predicted XI: Paul Stirling, William Porterfield, Andrew Balbirnie (c), Lorcan Tucker, Curtis Campher, Neil Rock (wk), George Dockrell, Joshua Little, Mark Adair, Simi Singh, Barry McCarthy

West Indies vs Ireland head-to-head

Overall

Total- 13 | West Indies- 10 | Ireland- 1 | No result- 2

In West Indies

Total- 6 | West Indies- 6 | Ireland- 0

West Indies vs Ireland Broadcast details:

TV – Sony Pictures Network

Timings – 8 PM (IST)

– By Harsh Adwani