England claimed the first ODI of the series with a record 360 run chase and will be looking to make it back-to-back wins against the West Indies on Friday.
Chris Gayle made a stunning start to his final ODI season for the West Indies in the series opener, but it wasn’t enough to get past the world’s best ODI side.
The series stays in Barbados and we should be treated to another high-scoring spectacle at the Kensington Oval.
West Indies v England | Friday 22 Feb | The Kensington Oval, Barbados | 17:00
To Win Match
West Indies 43/20
Tie 35/1
England 36/100
West Indies
On his way to a century and breaking Shahid Afridi’s record for international sixes, Gayle appeared to tweak his hamstring and may be in doubt for the second match of the series.
John Campbell, Shai Hope and Shimron Hetmyer have formed a sturdy top four alongside the ‘Six Machine’ for the hosts and they suddenly look like real ODI contenders, especially with the potent hitters that follow.
Devendra Bishoo was brought on up front in the first match after seeing England hold back Adil Rashid on a surface that offered little assistance for the quick men, but the tweaker did not have the desired effect and the hosts will have to go back to the drawing board.
Jason Holder has grown into a great international leader and a world-class allrounder and he may yet put in a brilliant performance with bat or ball before this series is done.
England
England showed their immense batting power in the opening game, not daunted by a target of 361 – and displayed why they are favourites for the World Cup.
Jason Roy made amends for dropping Gayle early on by smashing a century of his own. Critically, Roy was supported by England’s ‘Mr Reliable’ in the middle-order Joe Root. The pace of the game and Roy’s attacking batting perfectly dovetailed with the Test skipper’s style.
Ben Stokes stood out as the best of England’s quicks, though questions still remain as to why Rashid was not employed earlier in the piece to try and halt Gayle’s charge.
Skipper Eoin Morgan will be happy with England’s start to the series, but they will still be looking for improvements in all departments.
Verdict: England
The tourists are in great touch, but the hosts won’t go down without a fight.
