This is a five-match series, so all is not lost for the home side who head into the third match of the series in picturesque Gros Islet in St Lucia 2-0 down. Jonhenry Wilson previews the thrid T20.
West Indies v England – Third T20
Thursday 14 November 2024 – 20:00
Darren Sammy Cricket Ground, Gros Islet
This is a five-match series, so all is not lost for the home side who head into the third match of the series in picturesque Gros Islet in St Lucia 2-0 down. But if they don’t get a win on Thursday then the best they can do is draw the series – and if England win, then the series is gone. There’s everything to play for to keep the rubber alive. It’s a venue that’s known to be affected by rain, but the good news is there is none predicted for Thursday.
In terms of momentum, it doesn’t look good for the West Indies as they were well off the pace in the opening games, both of which were played in Bridgetown. They lost the opening game by eight wickets and the second by seven. In both games it was England who won the toss and elected to field first – perhaps a change in fortune at toss time could help the Windies. That said, the stats suggest there’s not a huge advantage to winning the toss, it’s 12 versus 11 in terms of wins for the setting and chasing teams.
To Win Match
West Indies 21/20| England 3/4
They may have lost both games in the series so far, but what will buoy the home side is the performance of their batters. While their bowlers have struggled to take wickets their batsmen have done alright in posting scores of 158 and 182, both of which are above par.
Openers Brandon King and Evin Lewis have not weighed in heavily with runs, and the West Indies will be hoping they fire in St Lucia where the Darren Sammy Ground has a par score of 161.
The Windies have struggled for wickets so far in the series and they will be delighted to have the fiery Alzarri Joseph back after completing his suspension. His return is somewhat offset by the loss of key all-rounder Andre Russell, who won’t feature in the series again due to a sprained ankle.
Last time they played in St Lucia, England were beaten by South Africa in the T20I World Cup. It was a close-run affair with Harry Brook almost getting them over the line, but it wasn’t to be. And neither is Brook – he is not part of the touring squad so it will be up to somebody else to bag the runs.
Skipper Jos Buttler has battled for consistency in recent times, but in his last five T20I innings he has twice posted scores of 83. Indeed, he is averaging 52 runs per innings from his last five knocks, and he will want to build on his showing in Barbados and put an end to any suggestions that his place in the team or as its captain are questionable.
As much as England’s batters have been inconsistent, what makes them such a good team is that there is always somebody stepping up to make a big score. Buttler posted an undefeated 83 in the second T20I, but it was Phil Salt who did the damage in the first game, bludgeoning 103 from 54 balls in the first.
England’s bowlers have been fantastic in the current series with big quick Saqib Mahmood the pick of the bunch taking six wickets in the two games played. Leg-spinner Adil Rashid has also been amongst the wickets and on a pitch that is expected to offer the spinners a bit, he could play a big role.
Verdict: West Indies 21/20
England are in great form, but the West Indies are a quality side who will be desperate to keep the series alive.
