- Date: Sunday December 3 – 13:30 GMT
- Location: Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound, Antigua
- Teams: West Indies vs England
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England look to bounce back against West Indies
England begin the next leg of their winter campaign after a disappointing World Cup. The West Indies, who failed to qualify for the World Cup will be hoping to get the visit of England off on the right foot. The West Indies are an explosive team, full of pace and power, with batsman capable of hitting boundaries, while England possess some of those qualities they aree renowned for their measured, disciplined approach and teamwork.
West Indies
Led by Shai Hope, West Indies will have two uncapped players Sherfane Rutherford and Matthew Forde, in the squad. Alzarri Joseph named as the new vice-captain. After failing to qualify for the World Cup the selectors have rung the changes. Batting all-rounder Rutherford and seam bowler Forde will be given the chance to impress.
Wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich has retired from international cricket days before the first ODI. No replacement has been called up at the time of writing. Dowrich had been named in the West Indies squad for December’s one-day international series against England. The 32-year-old, has made 35 Test appearances but has only represented West Indies once in white-ball cricket.
Meanwhile, the team will be missing Jason Holder and Nicholas Pooran in the 50-over format as they have decided to prioritize the shorter format.
The West Indies team, known for their explosive batting and aggressive style of play, will be looking to dominate the game from the start.
West Indies squad: Shai Hope (captain), Alzarri Joseph (vice captain), Alick Athanaze, Yannic Cariah, Keacy Carty, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde, Shimron Hetmyer, Brandon King, Gudakesh Motie, Kjorn Ottley, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Oshane Thomas.
England
Only six players from the World Cup squad are featured in the ODI squad. Jos Buttler will lead the team during the Caribbean tour. England might face a lack of experience in the ODI format as they will be without the services of Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid, Dawid Malan, and Chris Woakes.
The likes of Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root and Mark Wood have also been rested for the series while Ben Stokes is injured and heading towards knee surgery.
Fast bowler Josh Tongue, been ruled out by an injury sustained during the England Lions camp in the United Arab Emirates. Durham seamer Matthew Potts replaces him.
England squad: Jos Buttler (captain), Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Ben Duckett, Tom Hartley, Will Jacks, Liam Livingstone, Ollie Pope, Phil Salt, Matthew Potts, John Turner
Prediction
The West Indies will be looking to make home advantage count. Having failed to qualify for the World Cup they wil be lacking match practice in high level 50 over cricket. England, despite their hugely disappointing World Cup campaign, have strength in depth. They will be looking to bounce back and, with the squad mainly being made up of those who missed out om world cup places, they will have plenty of players looking to stake a claim for permanent inclusion in England’s ODI side. I predict an England win.
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