West Indies vs England, 1st T20I Match Preview, Prediction and Live Streaming

West Indies had a very realistic chance of making it into the knockout round of this T20 World Cup. In addition to the home advantage, the team as a whole had the look of a side that had things firmly in their hands. But then they met England in a Super Eights game, only to be handed an eight-wicket defeat. This was the hosts’ first defeat in the World Cup, and boy did it shatter everything they had built till then.

This is the first time both teams will meet after that game in St. Lucia. Loads have changed since then, surprisingly more for the winners of that day, England, than West Indies. There have been some who bid the format a farewell. Some were sacked. Some dropped from the team. But a quick glance at the team still presents familiar names. Of those names, one is Jos Buttler, whose calf injury has kept him away from the game for more than four months now. But he is set to get back (or so it’s being reported) to the team, and despite a plethora of changes following the ousting from the World Cup, he will keep the captaincy reins in his hands.

Team Overview:

The hosts will be without Alzarri Joseph’s services who has earned himself a suspension of two games. Many big guns including Nicholas Pooran, Andre Russell, and Akeal Hossein have made their way back to the team, which means that the Windies will be a difficult side to bowl to, especially in T20Is, which is their favorite format. Brandon King displayed his batting brilliance against England and with all the big guns back, he can thrash the bowlers all over the ground with more freedom. The pace attack does not look as intimidating but with Akeal back, the spinners can be seen weaving their magic.

It was confirmed earlier that Jos Buttler will not keep the wickets for obvious reasons. In his stead, Phil Salt will take the gloves and open with him as well. Will Jacks will move to number three. With as many as three wet-behind-the-ears players making it on the team, England would want to get as many runs up top as they can. Jafer Chohan, England’s newest sub-continental diaspora spinner, is likely to play the first game and Jos Buttler would want nothing more than to get a handy spinner for the white-ball.

Head-to-Head Matches:

West Indies have been the better side in the 30 T20I games both teams have played so far, with seventeen wins against the English next to their name. England resisted their dominance and won the remaining thirteen matches

Weather and Pitch Report:

Bridgetown might play host to a passing shower but nothing too threatening. The surface is already exceedingly batting-friendly. Rain might make a case in the favour of pacers but keep an eye out for a high-scoring game. Breaching the 200-run mark at this venue should not be a shocker.

Prediction:

Despite England’s morale touching the sky after getting their skipper back, West Indies have a better chance at bagging the game. All they will need to make sure is that the bowlers offer as frugal overs as they can.