West Indies and England will lock horns in the five-match T20I series, starting on Today, December 12. Both sides have announced strong squads for this much-anticipated series, keeping the T20 World Cup 2024 in mind.
Kensington Oval in Bridgetown, Barbados, National Cricket Stadium in St George’s, Grenada, and Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad will host the five games of the series.
Following their recent 2-1 triumph over England in the ODI series, the West Indies, captained by Rovman Powell in the T20 format, enter the series with high confidence.
All focus will be on Andre Russell after the stylish all-rounder returned to the 15-man West Indies squad for the first time since the T20 World Cup 2021.
The 35-year-old was recently involved in the T10 League with Deccan Gladiators. Matthew Forde, the 21-year-old all-rounder, is also one of the players to watch out for after he received his maiden ODI call-up recently. He comes into this series on the back of figures of 3/29 in the series-deciding ODI against England, which the Windies eventually won by four wickets.
Left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie will also be a part of the series after missing the India series earlier this year in August due to injury. Nicholas Pooran and Jason Holder, who were not available for the ODI series, will return to the five-match series.
On the other hand, England selectors have retained Moeen Ali for the T20I series with Dawid Malan facing the axe. Jos Buttler has been backed to lead the England side with Adil Rashid, Chris Woakes, and Reece Topley as part of their bowling department.
England’s second leading T20I wicket-taker Chris Jordan (96 wickets) has been sidelined with Tymal Mills getting into the squad for the first time since July 2022. Jofra Archer continues to rehabilitate from his elbow injury.
WI vs ENG Predicted Playing XI:
West Indies: Brandon King, Shai Hope, Rovman Powell (c), Shimron Hetmyer, Nicholas Pooran (wk), Andre Russell, Romario Shepherd, Jason Holder, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hosein, Alzaari Joseph
England: Jos Buttler (c/wk), Phil Salt, Will Jacks, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Moeen Ali, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Tymal Mills, Reece Topley, Adil Rashid
Russel , the cow lasher has an average of 19 in t20 , replace him with a batsman . Powell batting at #3 is wishful thinking , maybe Pooran . Rutherford for Russel