Windies vs England 2019: 5th ODI, St. Lucia – Match Preview; England will have a good opportunity to make things even-stevens after their loss in the Test series when they face Windies in the fifth ODI on March 2 at St. Lucia. Meanwhile, the visitors currently lead the series 2-1 with the third ODI abandoned due to heavy rains.
The last game witnessed massive scores with three centuries scored in the game of 100 overs. Joss Buttler and Chris Gayle both scored 150 runs, but Buttler found Eoin Morgan as his ally while Adil Rashid took five-wickets to help England take an unassailable 2-1 lead.
England have to stop Gayle
Chris Gayle has been in tremendous form since he announced his retirement. He has already scored two centuries and a half-century in the three matches, and he admitted that he is reconsidering his retirement decision. England bowlers will have their task cut out as they need to dismiss the big Jamaican early. However, apart from Gayle, Darren Bravo and Carlos Brathwaite also pelted the English bowlers in the last game. However, with the bowlers likely to get some assistance from the wicket, the batsmen are unlikely to get a free hand to swing their willow.
On the other hand, the visiting batsmen have done significantly well and will aim to continue their job. Joe Root, who missed out in the last game will look to get some runs under his belt with the ICC World Cup approaching.
Windies will be keen to level the series
The home team will have their job cut out, and they will have to play for everything as they take the field to level the series. The bowling department needs to perform their duties effectively and contain the English batters – who seemed to be in a great mood. Devendra Bishoo, their only spinner, needs to take wickets in the middle-overs to dictate terms in the last ODI. The pace duo of Sheldon Cottrell and Oshane Thomas will also have to pick wickets with the new ball to keep the English batters at check.
On the batting front, they have put in a good effort with every batsman putting in some contributions. However, the blistering form of Chris Gayle has been an added advantage for the side. Meanwhile, Andre Russell, who returned to the squad for the final two games, is likely to get a game in the last ODI.
Match Preview
West Indies v England
5th ODI
Darren Sammy International Cricket Stadium, St Lucia
Saturday, 2 March 2019, 11:00am local, 3:00pm GMT
Ongoing ODI Series Result:
| Series Result | England – 2 | Windies – 1 |
Predicted XI
Windies’ Predicted XI
| Player Name | Role |
| Chris Gayle | Batsman |
| John Campbell | Batsman |
| Shai Hope | WK/Batsman |
| Darren Bravo | Batsman |
| Shimron Hetmyer | Batsman |
| Jason Holder (c) | All-rounder |
| Carlos Brathwaite | All-rounder |
| Ashley Nurse | All-rounder |
| Devendra Bishoo | Bowler |
| Sheldon Cottrell | Bowler |
| Oshane Thomas | Bowler |
England Predicted XI:
| Player Name | Role |
| Jonny Bairstow | Batsman |
| Alex Hales | Batsman |
| Joe Root | Batsman |
| Eoin Morgan (c) | Batsman |
| Jos Buttler | WK/Batsman |
| Ben Stokes | All-rounder |
| Moeen Ali | All-rounder |
| Chris Woakes | All-rounder |
| Adil Rashid | Bowler |
| Liam Plunkett | Bowler |
| Mark Wood | Bowler |
Pitch Report
St. Lucia last hosted an ODI in June 2017, when Afghanistan were bowled out for 135, and the Windies coasted home with four wickets in hand. The pitch is likely to behave the same with the bowlers getting some assistance from the wicket.
Weather Conditions
It’s likely to be overcast on Saturday with an average temperature of 29 degrees. The expected humidity is 63 per cent. One can expect some rain as well during the game time.
Match Prediction
Both England and Windies have done exceedingly well in the five-match series. They have played some brilliant cricket with players from both sides drawing attention with their exciting efforts. Meanwhile, the visitors have taken a welcome lead beating the Caribbeans in the last game which will give them confidence.