After the second ODI, between England and West Indies, was abandoned after 2.2 overs due to rain, both the teams are preparing for the third ODI to be played in Bristol. England is currently leading the series 1-0 as they won the first ODI by seven wickets, courtesy a maiden ODI century by Johny Bairstow.
The West Indies have already missed out on an automatic qualification for the 2019 World Cup as they lost the first match. They needed to win all the games in the series to qualify for the World Cup. However, they will have to play the qualifier round now to be eligible for the World Cup.
West Indies’ opening batsman Chris Gayle missed out the second ODI due to a hamstring injury, and the West Indies management is still worried about his comeback for the third ODI. Batting has been an issue for the West Indian side recently. Apart from Sahi Hope and Jason Holder, none of the batsmen were able to capitalize on the starts. Marlon Samuels, who is also making a comeback to the national side, will be hoping to return to form as he is one of the most experienced batsmen in the Windies lineup.
England has the upper hand over the West Indies, as they have been the better side between both parties throughout the summer. Johny Bairstow has been given the responsibility to open the innings for the England team after Jason Roy has been unable to maintain consistency in his performance. The England side looked like a complete unit in the first ODI as their Batsmen and Bowlers impressed with skills. The only point of concern for the English team has been the form of their Captain Eoin Morgan. Morgan needs to score in the middle order to provide some support to both the top order and lower order.
However, England is still the favourite to win the third ODI and take a 2-0, which would mean that they cannot lose the series.
England squad-:
Jonny Bairstow, Alex Hales, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan(c), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler(w), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Adil Rashid, Liam Plunkett, David Willey
West Indies Squad-:
Evin Lewis, Kyle Hope, Shai Hope(w), Marlon Samuels, Jason Mohammed, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder(c), Ashley Nurse, Jerome Taylor, Miguel Cummins, Kesrick Williams