West Indies and England take the decider to Barbados after a series of flexing batting muscles
After a pedestrian display of batting in the first ODI, the English captain knew he had to take charge if he desired to take the series decision to the 3rd ODI. The task looked easier when the rookie pacer, John Turner, was able to dispatch the openers back to the pavilion under four overs. However, the problems came face to face with the visitors in the form of Windies skipper Shai Hope, who batted for almost 43 overs as if this was the last thing he had to do on the planet. His century steered the team to draw up the highest first-inning total at Antigua.
But Livingstone persisted with his quick-fire century, pumped up by three half-centuries from his teammates which made the chase easier than what the skipper had anticipated. England only have three more ODIs after this one before the Champions Trophy, and while plenty is still unanswered, they may have found a steady path to sail on.
Team Overview:
The biggest boogieman for England in this series has been their bowling, outdoing even their batting woes. Liam Livingstone used nine bowlers in the hope of stopping Shai Hope and his men from keeping the scoreboard ticking. The hosts scored something north of 100 in the last 10 overs in the recent ODI. Livingstone would want the bowlers to be more frugal in their bargain for wickets. There is a need for the top order to pitch in with more runs. Will Jacks and Jordan Cox were the only players who could not add much in the chase. Cox has just a handful of opportunities remaining to make selectors believe that he is better than someone who carries the drinks.
West Indies bowlers had to, very begrudgingly, be on the receiving end of Liam Livingstone’s relentless thumping. But they still could have done a better job at halting England. What hurt them the most was the thrashing that two of their better bowlers, Gudakesh Motie and Jayden Seales, endured without any reward. Alzarri Joseph may be called in to replace Shamar Joseph, who gave 72 runs in his first ODI game.
Head-to-Head Matches:
Both teams have crossed swords 107 times in ODI cricket, with England winning 54 matches and West Indies dominating them in 47. 6 games ended without any result.
Weather and Pitch Report:
Barbados will host rain, besides England and West Indies. In addition to the delays, the rain will also make it difficult for the bowling sides and both will hope that the interruptions do not make an entry when they have the bowl in their hands. Normally, Barbados has a slow surface and it’s not a venue where you would see the crowd ducking for covers. This time, though, the surface will hold more for the batters.
Prediction:
It’s a series decider and England have a lot to prove before they begin the T20I series. West Indies with their more fiery batters who like going aerial often, can hope to be the better side in Barbados.
Where to Watch:
Caribbean: Rush Sports, Flow Sports App, Sports Max
UK: TNT sports
Pakistan: Tapmad
India: FanCode App
