Table of Contents
As the West Indies and England gear up for the T20I series, anticipation is running high following their recent clash in the ODI leg, where the Windies secured victory with a 2-1 lead. The action-packed T20I series is set to commence on Tuesday, (December 12) promising thrilling encounters between the two cricketing powerhouses.
Rovman Powell leads the charge for the Windies
In the shortest format, the West Indies will be under the leadership of Rovman Powell, who aims to continue the team’s winning momentum. The return of the explosive all-rounder, Andre Russell, adds a formidable edge to the Windies’ lineup, enhancing their firepower and strategic options.
Jos Buttler stays at the helm for England
Jos Buttler remains at the helm for the English side, leading the T20I squad with a focus on turning the tide in their favor after the ODI series setback. With key players and dynamic talent, England are determined to make a mark in the T20 format.
Series schedule and venues
The five-match T20I series kicks off at the historic Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, promising a riveting opener on Tuesday. The action then shifts to Grenada for the second T20I on Thursday, followed by the third game at the same venue on Saturday. The final two matches are scheduled to take place at the Brian Lara Stadium in Trinidad on December 19 and 21, ensuring a thrilling conclusion to the series.
Also READ: Nicholas Pooran among the three players to decline Cricket West Indies central contract
England’s best playing XI for the T20I leg against West Indies
Stylish openers:
Ben Duckett: Ben Duckett, known for his explosive batting, is set to open the innings for England in the T20I series against the West Indies. With a dynamic approach and a penchant for aggressive stroke play, Duckett aims to provide a flying start at the top of the order, setting the tone for England’s innings. In 11 T20Is, Duckett has scored 301 runs.
Will Jacks: Partnering with Duckett at the top will be Will Jacks, a promising young talent with a flair for attacking cricket. Jacks brings energy to the opening slot, combining power-hitting with innovative shot-making, as England seeks a formidable opening partnership against the West Indies. In 6 games, Jacks has scored 108 runs.
Power-packed middle-order:
Harry Brook: In the middle-order, Harry Brook assumes a pivotal role, providing stability and composure. Known for his ability to anchor the innings, Brook’s calm and composed batting style adds a crucial dimension to England’s lineup, offering reliability in pressure situations. In 24 T20Is, Brook has scored 494 runs, including two half-centuries.
Liam Livingstone: Liam Livingstone, a power-hitting specialist, adds aggression to the middle-order. His ability to clear boundaries and adapt to various game situations makes him a vital asset for England. Livingstone’s role will be key in building and finishing innings effectively. Livingstone has 461 runs to his name in 33 T20Is, with one hundred and 25 fifties.
Jos Buttler: Jos Buttler, the captain and a dynamic middle-order batsman, brings leadership finesse and aggressive intent to the team. Buttler’s experience and ability to play impactful innings make him a linchpin in England’s T20I lineup, guiding the team with both his captaincy and batting prowess. Buttler has amassed 2766 runs in 109 T20Is, including one century and 20 fifties.
Key all-rounders:
Moeen Ali: Moeen Ali, the seasoned all-rounder, contributes with both bat and ball. His spin expertise, coupled with explosive batting, adds versatility to the squad. Moeen’s role as an all-rounder provides crucial balance, offering England strategic options in various game situations. Moeen has played 78 games for England in the shortest format, in which he has scored 1109 runs and taken 43 wickets.
Sam Curran: Joining forces with Moeen Ali, Sam Curran forms a dynamic all-round partnership. Curran’s ability to contribute with both bat and ball, combined with his spirited approach, adds depth to England’s lineup. His role as a valuable all-rounder provides flexibility in the team composition. In 41 T20Is, Curran has taken 43 wickets, with 5/10 being his best.
A mix bowling attack:
Gus Atkinson: Gus Atkinson, a pace spearhead, brings speed and aggression to the bowling attack. His ability to generate pace and bounce makes him a potent threat, aiming to disrupt the West Indies’ batting lineup with early breakthroughs. Atkinson doesn’t have too much experience though as he has played only 2 T20Is for England, in which he has taken 8 scalps.
Adil Rashid: Adil Rashid, the leg-spin maestro, adds spin variations to England’s bowling arsenal. With a knack for picking crucial wickets in the middle overs, Rashid’s role is instrumental in creating pressure and providing breakthroughs against the West Indies. Rashid has bagged 98 wickets in 99 games with 4/2 being his best.
Tymal Mills: Left-arm pacer Tymal Mills adds variety and experience to the bowling lineup. Mills’ ability to bowl at express pace, coupled with his left-arm angle, poses challenges for batters. His role as a strike bowler is crucial in containing the opposition and taking wickets. In 13 T20Is, Mills has taken 12 wickets for England.
Rehan Ahmed: Completing the bowling attack is leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed, providing spin support alongside Adil Rashid. Ahmed’s leg-spin variations and ability to control the middle overs add depth to England’s bowling strategy, offering a different challenge for the West Indies batters to contend with. The young tweaker has so far played only 3 games for England in T20Is and has taken 3 wickets.
