The State of Play
England have regained their mojo after hitting back from 2-0 down to level the series and set up a decider in Tarouba.
Jos Buttler’s men looked a rag-tag outfit after the first two T20Is with the matches following on from a disappointing ODI series defeat, and an even more catastrophic World Cup campaign.
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But the beauty of white-ball cricket is the fact it can turn so quickly – in this case, Harry Brook’s brilliant match-winning 31 not out off seven balls in the third game which not only prolonged the series but also put England in a strong position to complete a remarkable comeback.
The tourists can also point to the fact they have the man in form in Phil Salt.
Salt has blasted back-to-back centuries to provide a focal point for a batting line-up that looked bereft of confidence. Almost as important has been the return to form of Buttler who has hit successive half-centuries.
With the ball, Reece Topley’s return from injury has boosted a line-up that had become dependent on spin duo Rehan Ahmed and Adil Rashid.
The Windies haven’t performed particularly badly over the past two games, particularly the third T20I in Grenada where they came within inches of victory. Rovman Powell’s men will still fancy their chances of getting the job done.
Team News
The home side certainly missed fast bowler Alzarri Joseph last time out. Joseph was rested for the final two games with the forthcoming tour of Australia in mind and the Windies pace attack struggled in his absence.
Oshane Thomas was his replacement in the squad and, although he didn’t play in the fourth game of the series, he may be included for the decider with Matthew Forde seeing his three overs disappear for 54 runs.
With the game being played at the same venue, it seems unlikely England will make any changes in an attempt to maintain their current momentum.
Expected line-ups
West Indies: King, Mayers, Pooran (wk), Hope, Rutherford, Powell (c), Russell, Holder, Hosein, Thomas, Motie
England: Salt (wk), Buttler (c), Jacks, Livingstone, Brook, Ali, Curran, Woakes, Ahmed, Rashid, Topley
Something else! 🤯
Two IT20 💯s in 4 days! 🏏💥
Scorecard: https://t.co/6bQbaWgDHX 📝@PhilSalt1 | #EnglandCricket pic.twitter.com/OQ9EVqDKNQ
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 20, 2023
What they said
West Indies captain Rovman Powell on Thursday’s decider
“Once you don’t execute properly, they’re going to put you under pressure. The boys like a final it seems. We’ll come into Thursday with brand new ideas and plans. The guys will just relax. Sometimes you just need to give them some space. It’s a thinking game, and once guys are clear in their mind, they generally can execute.”
England batter Phil Salt on his improved form
“I’m definitely enjoying it. It’s a cool place to tour. The boys have produced the goods in the last couple of games and now we’ve got a decider to look forward to. It’s very satisfying.”
When and how to watch
The final T20I takes place in Tarouba, starting at 2000 (UK time). You can watch it on TNT Sports 1 from 1930.
Prediction
It’s always sensible to ride the hot hand so my money is on England to complete a fantastic fightback and clinch the series 3-2.
