West Indies vs England Prediction: West Indies won ODI series

West Indies and England are going head to head in the 1st Match of T20 Series at Kensington Oval, Barbados on 12 Dec 2023. West Indies have won the ODI series by winning the last game. Who will win this game of cricket?

West Indies form

The major update from the West Indies team is the re-selection of all-rounder Andre Russell. After a two-year absence from international cricket, Russell's inclusion will greatly enhance the team's batting and bowling prowess. The upcoming T20 World Cup, scheduled to be held in the Caribbean and the United States of America next year, is likely the main reason for Russell's recall.

Another talented all-rounder, Matthew Forde, has also been chosen for the squad participating in the five-T20I series. Although Forde has only played one ODI match and hasn't yet been selected for T20Is, his exceptional performance in the final ODI against England, where he secured three crucial wickets, contributed to a series victory for the West Indies team.

Experienced players Jason Holder and Nicholas Pooran are making a comeback for the West Indies side. Both have recently participated in the competitive Abu Dhabi T10 league, representing the Samp Army and Deccan Gladiators respectively. This exposure to high-pressure situations should prove beneficial for them during the upcoming series against England.

Unfortunately, the Windies will be without Johnson Charles, Obed McCoy, Odean Smith, and Oshane Thomas for this series. While their absence may not significantly weaken the team's bowling department, Forde and his teammates will need to establish solid cohesion in the absence of these four players.

West Indies Predicted Lineup

Kyle Mayers, Brandon King, Shai Hope (wk), Rovman Powell, Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase/Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Matthew Forde, Akeal Hosein

England form

England, after their disappointing performance in the 2023 Cricket World Cup, had hoped to bounce back with a series win against the West Indies. However, their plans didn't come to fruition. Now, their main focus is to prepare for the upcoming T20 World Cup and they aim to kickstart their campaign with a confident and successful performance in the five-match T20I series. Captain Jos Buttler and opener Phil Salt will play vital roles at the top of the batting order. The success of their partnership during the powerplay overs could be the deciding factor in achieving a good total. Additionally, the inclusion of Ben Duckett and Harry Brooks, who are in good form and possess a hard-hitting approach, adds further strength to the squad. Tymal Mills, known for his well-executed slower deliveries, has recently showcased his skills in the Abu Dhabi T10 and is expected to deliver similar results in the Caribbean. Left-arm seamer Sam Curran will also play a significant role by frequently varying the pace of his deliveries. Meanwhile, the outright pace of Gus Atkinson and Josh Tongue will be tested in the Caribbean conditions, as they look to secure a spot in the T20 World Cup squad. Reece Topley, who had suffered an injury during the Cricket World Cup earlier this year, has made a comeback for this series.

England Predicted Lineup

Phil Salt, Jos Buttler (c) (wk), Will Jacks, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Rehan Ahmed, John Turner, Gus Atkinson

West Indies vs England Expert Tips & Prediction

The match will take place at the Kensington Oval, where the team batting first has won four of the last five T20Is. Therefore, it is likely that the captain who wins the toss will choose to bat first again. This ground is known for producing high scores, with the last three first-inning totals in T20I cricket being 179, 193, and 224. A first-innings score of 180 or higher should be competitive. It would be beneficial to have two specialist spinners in the team for this match, and it might be wise to use one of them to open the bowling. The weather forecast predicts no rain leading up to the match, and matchday is also expected to have good weather, so the entire match should be able to be played. Considering their recent success in the ODI series, the West Indies are predicted to win this match. They have a strong batting and bowling lineup compared to England. The West Indies are seen as underdogs, while England are the favourites. Betting on the West Indies could be a good choice for those looking for value.