3rd T20I, Gros Islet, November 15, 2024, 01:30 AM
West Indies
England
WI 40%
Tie %
ENG 60%
What a return to form for English skipper Jos Buttler as he led his side to a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series against West Indies and with the Barbados leg of the tour done and dusted, the teams now move to Gros Islet in St. Lucia for the remainder of the matches. Hosts West Indies did pip the ODI series 2-1 against and undercooked English team but now, with their stellar T20I lineup, they just haven't managed to do the damage with the bat which really is concerning and the loss of Andre Russell due to injury is a big blow to them as well. The top order has been the main culprit with the likes of Brandon King and Evin Lewis just not firing and Nicholas Pooran hasn't been able to replicate his form from a few months back. Shai Hope who was prolific in the ODI series has been on the bench and maybe it is time, the Windies give the ODI skipper a chance in the T20 format as well. One positive for West Indies is the return of Alzarri Joseph from suspension after his antics in the ODI series and he will be back with more fire and hunger. However, Gudakesh Motie and Akeal Hosein will have to play a big role if the Windies are to stay alive in the series. England on the other hand have looked solid with the bat as the top order has fired in both games. Phil Salt made a century in the first game followed by Buttler's 83 in the 2nd game. The likes of Will Jacks and Jacob Bethell too have contributed with the bat, and that destructive middle order hasn't even had the chance which is not good signs for West Indies. England did lose Reece Topley due to an injury in the first game but Jofra Archer took his place in the following match and it has been Saqib Mahmood who has been doing the damage in those early overs allowing someone like Adil Rashid to then come in and control the middle phase. The odds are highly stacked up against the hosts but it is a different venue which they know better and this could be the one game they need to turn things around but it won't be easy against and upbeat England lineup. Who are you backing for the win?