The West Indies came through for a home win that will boost them as much as it knocks back England. James Richardson previews the second ODI.
After missing the World Cup, the West Indies needed to rebound in the ODI format and did.
The series stays at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua, where the West Indies have now won their last five ODIs.
To Win Match
West Indies 7/4 | England 4/9
Shai Hope carried the West Indies to victory in his customarily calm style and has taken the pressure off himself a little as skipper.
However, the West Indies must learn from their qualifier flop and not take their foot off the gas after a good start.
Romario Shepard’s fearless hitting was a big part of the win as was his getting a few lucky bounces here and there.
Gudakesh Motie proved toughest for England to get away on a pitch that really offered very little for any bowlers.
England will look down their first ODI scorecard in disappointment, given all the starts they failed to cash in on.
Persistent wickets falling just as batsmen got settled saw them leave 20-30 runs on the park. By contrast, in the field, England often couldn’t force the breakthrough when they needed it.
Harry Brook was the best of the bunch first time out but his dismissal was also a moment that England were left to rue as he made a mess of trying to launch Shephard into the stands over cover.
The selection of this squad is curious, and the batting combinations don’t look like they make the most of form at all. If the top-order fires, they could be dangerous, but if they continue to bat like these are training matches, England won’t stand a chance.
Verdict: West Indies 7/4
West Indies should have the goods to get over the line again.
