Windies vs England 2019, 1st ODI, Barbados - Match Preview

The Windies and England are all set in readiness to face off in the five-match ODIs, which begins in Barbados on Wednesday (February 20th). As the hosts had the upper hand in Tests, the ranked n0.1 team in the world will aim to justify their position in 50-over cricket. Though Windies will travel to Ireland for a tri-series including Bangladesh in May, England will face Ireland and Pakistan ahead of the showpiece event at home. Cricket Addictor brings you the match preview of the first ODI between Windies and England in Barbados.

Hosts eye shock series win over English side

The Windies had produced some exciting cricket of late. Though Bangladesh beat them last in the ODIs, the team from the Caribbean won the T20Is, followed it up with Tests win over England. Meanwhile, as the 2019 World Cup approaches, Jason Holder-led team will want to final their XI; leaving no stones unturned for the last moment.

Moreover, the presence of Chris Gayle in the squad will boost their confidence. Also, Shai Hope and Darren Bravo’s inclusion have also solidified their middle-order. When it comes to lower-order batsmen, Windies have the likes of Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer and Jason Holder. In the bowling department, Alzarri Joseph, Oshane Thomas and Kemar Roach will keep the England batsmen on their toes.

Windies’ predicted XI for Barbados ODI against England –

Chris Gayle, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Shai Hope, Darren Bravo, Shimron Hetmeyer, Jason Holder (c), Rovman Powell, Ashley Nurse, Alzarri Joseph, Oshane Thomas and Kemar Roach

England seeks redemption ahead of home World Cup

Eoin Morgan and his teammates must be aiming for one thing – redemption. After their shock series loss in Tests against the Windies, England will want to turn the tables around. Notwithstanding their position on the rankings table, the visitors need to do their homework in a bid to take the ODIs home. The firepower they have on their side, England is a team to beat in the 50-over cricket.

With Alex Hales returning to the squad, the Poms will have an advantage of an extra opener apart from Roy and Bairstow. Mark Wood, who took his maiden five-for in the final Test in St. Lucia is also expected to earn a spot in the XI.

England’s predicted XI for Barbados ODI against Windies –

Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (c), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood.

Venue –

The Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados will host the first of the five ODIs on Wednesday (February 20th).

Timings and Where to Watch –

The match will begin at 8:30 pm IST and SONY TEN network will broadcast the first ODI.

Pitch and Weather report –

The pitch will have some bounce on it, but the chances of rain interrupting the game will also have a role to play. Also, the temperature hovers around 28 degrees.

Match Prediction –

Though Windies have found success in the five-day format, England will still start as absolute favourites in the ODIs. During the first ODI, the English team is likely to take the honours home.