The fourth T20I between West Indies (WI) and England (ENG) is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, December 19, at the Brian Lara Stadium in Tarouba, Trinidad.
After the West Indies won the ODI series 2-1, they started the T20I rubber with a bang as they notched up wins in the first two games. However, the away side managed to keep the five-match series alive by picking up a thrilling win in the third game at St George’s, Grenada, last week.
The West Indies put on a daunting total of 222/6 in their 20 overs in the first innings. However, Phil Salt’s exhilarating century and Harry Brook’s swashbuckling cameo headlined England’s chase as the current T20 world champions reached the target with seven wickets and one ball to spare.
The series is intriguingly poised as the action shifts to Trinidad. This is another do-or-die encounter for England and they would be upbeat about their chances after pulling off a memorable win in the last encounter.
Brian Lara Stadium, Pitch Report and Conditions
Only two T20Is have been played so far at the Brian Lara Stadium, both involving India and West Indies. The pitch is generally not a belter as there is a lot in it for the bowlers. In the last T20I played at this venue in August, the West Indies defended 149, restricting India to 145/9 in their 20 overs. Change of pace worked for the bowlers in that game as the ball seemed to slow down considerably after pitching.
Both teams have some big hitters in their ranks but they might have to work a little bit harder for their runs. In the four matches played at the venue during this year’s Caribbean Premier League, the average first-innings score was 163. Three out of the four games were won by teams batting second.
WI vs ENG Predicted Playing XI:
West Indies: Brandon King, Kyle Mayers, Nicholas Pooran (WK), Shai Hope, Rovman Powell (C), Romario shepherd, Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Gudakesh Motie, Akeal Hosein, Oshane Thomas
England: Jos Buttler (C/WK), Philip Salt, Will Jacks, Harry Brook, Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Moeen Ali, Adil Rashid, Gus Atkinson, Tymal Mills, Reece Topley
Probable Best Performers from WI vs ENG
Probable Best Batter: Phil Salt
The right-handed opener has looked in good nick in the T20I series after having a lacklustre outing in the ODIs. He scored a 20-ball 40 in the first T20I but in the previous game, he lit up the National Cricket Stadium in Grenada with a match-winning knock of 109 not out off 56 balls. He hit four fours and nine sixes during his stunning innings. If Salt can fire at the top, it will make things easier for the batters to follow.
Probable Best Bowler: Adil Rashid
With the conditions expected to favour the spinners, Adil Rashid could play a key role. The veteran leg-spinner is a clever operator and knows how to use conditions to his advantage. He is the joint-highest wicket-taker in the series so far, having bagged six wickets in three games at an average of just 11.33. It will be interesting to see how Jos Buttler uses Rashid’s four overs.
Today’s Match Prediction: Chasing team to win the match