West Indies captain Jason Holder won the toss and opted to bat first against India in the third and final ODI of the three-match series, at the Queen’s Park Oval in Trinidad on Wednesday (August 14).
India holds an unassailable 1-0 lead following a 59-run win (DLS method) in the second ODI at the same venue on Sunday. Rain forced the abandonment of the first match in Guyana as a no-result last Thursday.
Virat Kohli’s team made just one change from the game three days ago with an exchange of wrist-spinners as right-armer Yuzvendra Chahal replaces left-armer Kuldeep Yadav.
The hosts opted to omit two of their fast bowlers – Sheldon Cottrell and Oshane Thomas – in preference for all-rounder Keemo Paul and left-arm spinner Fabian Allen.
However, as the match started, many were left perplexed to see the Windies openers Chris Gayle and Evin Lewis walk out with a black armband on their hand.
Just before the match, Evin Lewis’ grandmother passed away, and the Carribean side decided to pay tribute to her. The left-hander was strong enough not to miss the game though and walked out in the middle with his partner Gayle.
The same was confirmed by the commentator on air and the former West Indies cricketer Ian Bishop during the first over of the match.
