Windies vs England, 4th ODI, Preview: Rain threat looms around as hosts aim an unassailable advantage

It would be surprising if the game goes on without any interruptions from the rain gods on Wednesday.

Published - 27 Feb 2019, 10:34 IST | Updated - 27 Feb 2019, 10:34 IST

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Just when the excitement levels were creeping new heights, rain gods interrupted the third encounter between Windies and England. It really was an anti-climax to what was supposed to be a nerve-wracking encounter. Runs have been flowing easy and clean thus far, but with all the rain in Grenada, there might not be a batting-friendly surface available.

The bowling departments on both sides have not been very happy with the way things panned out, apart from the Sheldon Cottrell spell which kept England at bay in the second ODI. They might have some purchase off the track and movement in the air given the conditions have been pretty windy around the stadium.

It would be surprising if the game goes on without any interruptions from the rain on Wednesday. That would come in as a huge disappointment for the local fans who were desperate to see their players do well after a long time. Nevertheless, the forecast is a lot better than what it was on Monday and a lot of cricket will happen.

Playing conditions

Windies

The in-form Chris Gayle will open the innings alongside the struggling John Campbell. In the middle order, they have Shai Hope, Shimron Hetmyer, Carlos Brathwaite and Jason Holder. Holder and Oshane Thomas will be their key bowlers with Sheldon Cottrell also doing well. Andre Russell is back in the scheme of things and he walks back into the playing XI while Bishoo might get replaced by Fabian Allen depending on the conditions.

Predicted XI: Chris Gayle, John Campbell, Shai Hope (WK), Darren Bravo, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder (C), Carlos Brathwaite, Ashley Nurse, Devendra Bishoo/Fabian Allen, Oshane Thomas.

England

Jason Roy and Jonny Bairstow will continue opening for the English contingent with Joe Root, Eoin Morgan, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler and Moeen Ali coming in the middle order. Tom Curran, Mark Wood and Chris Woakes will be taking up the new ball responsibilities with Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali handling the middle overs. Adil Rashid is the other bowling option for the captain.

Though there is still doubts lingering over Stokes’ fitness and if he fails to recover, then Alex Hales will definitely play this game.

Predicted XI: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (c), Ben Stokes/Alex Hales, Jos Buttler (wk), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.

Focus will be on

Shimron Hetmyer (Windies)

After missing out in the first game, Shimron Hetmyer struck back strongly and scored a brilliant hundred in the second. His exploits against India were clearly not the passing clouds, he is here to make an impact on the long run. His hundred was well-constructed and there was no hurry whatsoever. With some young talents like him stepping up, Windies might pose a strong challenge in the World Cup.

Joe Root (England)

High time for the skipper to step in and get them out of trouble. Joe Root has had a decent outing in the series, scoring an important century in the first game. He clearly is in good touch right now and when he is on song, he is a difficult customer to deal with. England would need something special from his bat on an afternoon where batting might get a little tricky.