England is ready to conflict with co-host West Indies within the second Tremendous Eights match of the boys’s T20 World Cup on the Daren Sammy Cricket Floor in Gros Islet, St. Lucia, on Wednesday (Thursday morning IST).
England arrives with confidence, having convincingly defeated Affiliate sides Oman and Namibia. In the meantime, West Indies will draw energy from its unbeaten streak within the lately concluded group stage.
Antagonistic climate and one-sided contests have restricted England to simply 33.1 overs of play up to now. The defending champion shall be longing for extra recreation time in St. Lucia, which has proved to be a high-scoring venue. Whereas there have been passing tropical showers on match eve, the climate is more likely to maintain up for Wednesday’s match.
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England is presently sweating on the health of all-rounder Liam Livingstone, who injured his aspect whereas batting in opposition to Namibia and didn’t subject. In that match, England dropped batter Will Jacks for all-rounder Sam Curran. It allowed Jonny Bairstow and Harry Brook to bat at No. 3 and 4, respectively, the place each excelled.
Ought to Livingstone stay unfit, Curran is well-placed to take his spot. Alternatively, England may additionally slot in an additional left-hander in Ben Duckett instead of Jacks, given the dual left-arm finger spin choices West Indies has in Gudakesh Motie and Akeal Hosein.
This manner, England can push right-hand-left-hand partnerships at one drop, in contrast to in opposition to Namibia, the place the highest 4 have been all right-handers. That stated, England openers, particularly Jos Buttler, have a optimistic matchup versus Hosein. In all T20Is, Buttler has scored 65 off 43 in opposition to Hosein at a strike fee of 150-plus.
In the meantime, the West Indies goes into its two hundredth T20I, having gained eight video games in a row. Nicholas Pooran’s eight sixes throughout a shocking knock of 98 in opposition to Afghanistan had helped West Indies rack up 218-5 – the very best rating of the event up to now.
England may attempt to both bounce out Nicholas Pooran or check him in opposition to off-spin.
| Photograph Credit score:
PTI
England may attempt to both bounce out Nicholas Pooran or check him in opposition to off-spin.
| Photograph Credit score:
PTI
Pooran has two clear weaknesses. Brief lengths at excessive tempo and away spin. He tends to go laborious early in his innings. England will attempt to goal this edginess by way of Mark Wooden and Jofra Archer, and will he survive, finger spinner Moeen Ali might be a beneficial matchup for the Three Lions given Pooran’s poor report in opposition to off-break — he averages lower than 30 in opposition to this type of bowling whereas putting at beneath 120 in all T20Is.
The bottom dimensions, with one sq. boundary notably shorter than the opposite, together with the cross-breeze, drastically affect the sport’s dynamics right here. Subsequently, the essential technique shall be to direct the ability hitters away from the shorter aspect.
The upcoming match in opposition to the undefeated West Indies earlier than a small however raucous crowd, ought to present a clearer evaluation of England’s title prospects this 12 months.