The State of Play
England’s miserable recent run continued in the first T20I as the West Indies clinched a four-wicket win in Barbados. Having collapsed to 171 all out, England suffered as the big-hitting Windies cruised to their victory target with 11 balls to spare.
Their were some positives, spin duo Adil Rashid and Rehan Ahmed – two players at the opposite ends of the experience spectrum – worked well in tandem, taking five of the six West Indian wickets.
But the defeat continued England’s poor form since the start of the World Cup with Jos Buttler’s white-ball side having now lost nine of their last 13 games.
The West Indies didn’t even reach the World Cup but have looked the more composed team since England arrived in the Caribbean. They won the one-day international series 2-1 and have veteran all-rounder Andre Russell back in the side and in great form. Russell took three for 19 with the ball and hit an unbeaten 29 on Tuesday to help his side to victory.
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England will likely go with a similar XI, although Reece Topley could get a chance to impress after seeing his World Cup campaign curtailed by a broken finger. Tymal Mills may be the man to miss out after struggling in Barbados.
The Windies are set to pick the same team. If it ain’t broke…
Expected line-ups
West Indies: King, Mayers, Hope, Pooran (wk), Hetmyer, Powell (c), Shepherd, Russell, Holder, Hosein, Joseph
England: Salt, Buttler (c, wk), Jacks, Duckett, Brook, Livingstone, Curran, Woakes, Ahmed, Rashid, Topley
Defeat in the first IT20.
Scorecard: https://t.co/1oaTrwMxTY#EnglandCricket | #WIvENG pic.twitter.com/QzPMBAmbyE
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 13, 2023
What they said
England captain Jos Buttler reflecting on the first T20I
“They hit a lot of sixes as a team, that’s something that is a trademark of their side and we’ve got to find ways to limit that. Obviously, the swing in the game with sixes is so big.
“You’ve got to find ways to get it out the arc, try and find ways to take wickets as well, be aggressive and be committed. It’s a great test for us and we’ll find out lots over the next few games.”
Windies all-rounder Andre Russell on his return to the side and the potential to play on after next year’s T20 World Cup
“I still have a lot left in the tank, but based on discussions with the coach I told him that after the World Cup, I would walk away from international cricket.
“But if they need me, I will come out of retirement. If West Indies should still need me, I would be willing to put in the hard yards for them. I always want to play for West Indies.
When and how to watch
The 2nd T20I takes place on Thursday in Grenada at 1730 (UK time). You can watch it on TNT Sports with the programme starting at 1700.
Prediction
England still look lost following their woeful World Cup campaign in India. The balance of the team looks a little muddled while the Windies are happy to bludgeon away at England’s bowlers.
If their batters continue to connect, it will be another difficult night for the tourists.
West Indies to win.
