Despite the hovering spectre of Ashes humiliation, England come into this T20 series as the stronger unit.
West Indies skipper Kieron Pollard has slammed his own team’s levels of application following a 2-1 ODI series defeat against Ireland, and indications are that they don’t have the happiest camp.
West Indies vs England | 22 January 2022 | Kensington Oval, Barbados | 22:00
To Win Match
West Indies 31/20 | Tie 25/1 | England 52/100
West Indies
Pollard has laid into his team recently off the back of a T20 World Cup blowout and numerous failed fitness tests from a handful of players of varying experience levels.
Jayden Seales has shown great promise as a seamer to watch but needs to demonstrate better control to be a force in the T20 game.
Brandon King is another young player distinguishing himself in recent outings, and he could hold the key to a West Indies resurgence.
Sheldon Cottrell, Hayden Walsh Jr and Kyle Mayers make their returns having missed out on recent action due to asymptomatic COVID-19.
England
England seek a white-ball balm for their red-ball Ashes pain, and start this series as heavy favourites even without several stars.
Jason Roy signalled himself as the England dangerman with a century in their warm-up match, and if he fires the Three Lions almost always win.
James Vince and Tom Banton will be locked in a dual to determine who will partner Roy at the top of the order.
Wicketkeeper batter Phil Salt could be in line to debut with Sam Billings not cleared to play after his Ashes involvement.
All-rounder Liam Dawson returns to an England squad for the first time in years while Tymal Mills comes back from injury.
Verdict: England 52/100
A hungry England side should come out on top in this contest against a West Indies side who are going through some issues at the minute.
