Windies vs England, 1st T20I, Preview: Teams hope to enjoy the contest after an absorbing ODI series

England have lost last three T20Is against the Windies.

Published - 05 Mar 2019, 16:36 IST | Updated - 05 Mar 2019, 16:36 IST

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The ODI series between Windies and England, apart from the last match, was a high-scoring affair. Both the teams have some amazing hitters in their line-up and the trimmed format is only going to add to the entertainment factor. The visitors though will have something to prove. They were expected to dominate thoroughly on this tour but have lost the Tests and the ODI series ended with a 2-2 scoreline.

Eoin Morgan will be keen on finding solutions to the bowling attack which leaked runs like anything. These three matches will also be a reality check for the Brits ahead of the World Cup at home. Moreover, Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler have been rested for this series and the other batsmen will have to step up in this case. This also presents a great chance for Alex Hales to press his case further at the top of the order.

Windies, on the other hand, are the boss in this format and the World Champions as well. However, there is a change in leadership for them. Jason Holder has been appointed the skipper for this series despite Carlos Brathwaite being the part of the team. It will be interesting to see how the team responds to him in this format.

Team Combinations

Windies

Chris Gayle and Shai Hope will open the innings for Windies with the talented and swashbuckling Nicholas Pooran to follow. Darren Bravo can play according to the situation at four while Shimron Hetmyer, Holder and Brathwaite will look to tonk the ball at any stage during the innings. There are plenty of options with the bowling for the skipper as Oshane Thomas, Sheldon Cottrell form a potent pace attack. Nurse and Bishoo are the spinners in the line-up.

Probable XI: Chris Gayle, Shai Hope (wk), Nicholas Pooran, Darren Bravo, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder (c), Ashley Nurse, Carlos Brathwaite, Devendra Bishoo, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas.

England

Jonny Bairstow and Hales are the openers in Buttler’s absence with Dawid Malan, the comeback man, to follow at number three. Eoin Morgan will be crucial as a collapse always around the corner for this England team while Sam Billings will also be looking make an impact ahead of the World Cup. Moeen Ali is the all-rounder in the side along with Tom Curran who was brilliant in the Big Bash League (BBL). Mark Wood, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid and Chris Jordan are the other bowlers.

Probable XI: Jonny Bairstow (wk), Alex Hales, Dawid Malan, Eoin Morgan (c), Sam Billings, Tom Curran, Moeen Ali, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid, Liam Plunkett, Mark Wood.

Focus will be on

Chris Gayle (Windies)

Chris Gayle of old was on display during the ODIs. Moreover, with only 20 overs in the innings, he becomes even more dangerous and one wouldn’t be surprised if the Universe Boss scores a century in this series. He is in great form and is playing his last few games in the Caribbean islands. Gayle will be keen on continuing from where he left in the last game.

Dawid Malan (England)

Dawid Malan is making a comeback to England’s T20I team. His strike-rate in the format is really good and it is still baffling to understand why he was dropped in the first place. This series presents him an opportunity to make a statement and batting at three will also help him face more balls. It will be interesting to see how Malan fares in the upcoming series.