Windies vs England, 2nd T20I, Preview: Jarred hosts look to bounce back after St Lucia defeat

Windies have got a better head-to-head record against England in T20I cricket.

Published - 08 Mar 2019, 15:00 IST | Updated - 08 Mar 2019, 15:00 IST

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It was the turn of the Windies cricket team to end up being shell-shocked when the took England on in the first T20I. Karma struck them back after they stunned the favourites England in the three-match Test and five-match ODI series. In their most favoured format, the Windies were overhauled by the visitors by a four-wicket margin as they are 0-1 down in the three-match series.

The batting of the hosts didn’t really click in the series opener in St Lucia. Except for Nicholas Pooran, no one else stood up for the team in tough situations. Adding agony to the bruise after a mediocre performance with the willow was their fielding. Four catches were dropped in the match as Jonny Bairstow, making the most of the reprieves, pushed his team closer to a victory.

Team Combinations

Windies

Windies are highly likely to enter into the second game with an unchanged eleven. Since all their batsmen try to go hard after the bowlers, they need depth in their batting. The only other options that they have, in the form of John Campbell and Devendra Bishoo, might not be favoured. The Universe Boss Chris Gayle will look to play another one of his aggressive knocks and help his side register a win.

Predicted XI: Shai Hope (WK), Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Darren Bravo, Nicholas Pooran, Carlos Brathwaite, Fabian Allen, Jason Holder (C), Ashley Nurse, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas.

England

England have got three options to consider out of which two are bowlers. Both Sam Curran and Mark Wood might not find themselves a spot in the eleven while Dawid Malan, who made his national comeback, is likely to replace Joe Root, who scored a duck in the first hame. Malan fits into the T20 format really well and is capable of hitting the big shots. He could be batting at three if he gets an opportunity.

Predicted XI: Alex Hales, Jonny Bairstow (WK), Dawid Malan, Eoin Morgan (C), Joe Denly, Sam Billings, David Willey, Tom Curran, Liam Plunkett, Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid.

Focus will be on

Chris Gayle (Windies)

Windies opener Chris Gayle seems to be in great form. He was on fire in the ODI series and performed exceedingly well. However, the hulk-like Jamaican missed out in the first game of the series scoring only 15 runs which came off 12 balls. One could expect the Universe Boss to be on fire in the second match and play a fierce knock.

Alex Hales (England)

Alex Hales got off to a flyer in the first T20I. He smashed one six and a four in his five-ball stay out there in the middle. He was hitting the ball well but was castled by Sheldon Cottrell. If he manages to do well, England will sure be on the top as he is destructive and can take the game away from the opposition. He looked to be in good form, playing for Rangpur Riders in the BPL 2019 as well.