WI vs IND | West Indies' predicted XI for second ODI against India in Port of Spain

08/11/2019

After rain played spoilsport in the first ODI that had to be washed out with just 13 overs bowled, the team is most likely to play with an unchanged lineup in today’s encounter. The clean sweep in the T20I series will be on the back of the players’ minds as the eleven will be looking for redemption.

Openers

Chris Gayle

The Universe Boss will be making history by becoming the first ever player from his country to accumulate 300 ODI caps, another illustrious feather in his already full hat. With the series most likely his last for the West Indies, the 39 year old will be looking to add to the 1,200-plus odd runs he has scored against the Men in Blue and end his international career on a high.

Evin Lewis

After a dismal T20 series, the explosive batsman looked in good nick in the first match as he scored a brisk 40 off 36 balls and can be a real nuisance for the bowlers when he gets going. With only two centuries in 40-plus ODIs, Lewis will be looking to step-up his game and leave a mark on the international stage with a defining inning.

Middle-order

Shai Hope

Labelled by many as the future of West Indies cricket, the 25 year old is the highest ranked batsman from his country sitting at the 14th spot and has an exemplary record in the format. Having the ability to build up the innings as well as go all out as per the team’s need, not to mention a splendid fielder, his contribution will prove to be crucial if the team is to record a win.

Shimron Hetmeyer

One of the youngest players in the squad, Hetmeyer is an exciting talent who has already pinned down his position as a mainstay in the team after some brilliant performances internationally. With four centuries to his name, what is highly impressive is that he has been able to maintain a strike rate of 100-plus even after playing 30-plus matches. Once he finds his rhythm, it could be curtains for the opposition.

Nicholas Pooran

The youngster is still a newcomer to the international circuit but has already been showing glimpses of what the future holds for him and has cemented a spot in the team for himself. He ended the recently concluded World Cup as his team’s highest run-scorer averaging a handsome 52.5, and his ability to hit the ball large distances have seen comparisons being drawn between him and Gayle.

All-rounders

Roston Chase

The batting all-rounder’s performances in white ball cricket have been fairly subpar, failing to even reach the 250-run threshold in his 17 ODI appearances. Even with the ball, he has just four wickets to his name at an average of nearly 60 but his Test and domestic cricket record is proof of the talent he has. He’ll need to capitalize on the chance to retain his spot in the team.

Jason Holder

With Chris Gayle soon retiring, the skipper will take over as the squad’s most experienced player and will have an important role in marshalling his troops against the tougher opponents. The power hitter has decent numbers for a lower order batsman and has 129 wickets in his 105 wickets, but his most significant contributions will have to come in the form of strategies to limit the opposition.

Fabian Allen

The only spinner in the squad, a bad day for him can disrupt the team’s entire plans and hence he will have a crucial role to play with his left-arm leg spin bowling. The 24-year-old doesn’t have much experience at the highest stage which is reflected in his records in international cricket, but such matches offer him a chance to grow into the team and prove his worth.

Carlos Brathwaite

The T20I skipper will be looking to move on from the disastrous series and play like the match winner he is with the load of captaincy off his shoulders. The 31-year-old has lacked a bit consistency over the years but on his day, he can lead his team to victory single handedly which makes him a permanent fixture in the squad.

Bowlers

Kemar Roach

For 11 years the right-arm pace bowler has been in and out of the squad but having been awarded a central contract this time, he will be looking forward to returning to his best form. Capable of exceeding speeds of 150 kph and deal damage to the batsmen with his lethal brand of body-line bowling in typical Carribean fashion, Roach will look to capitalize on his experience and add to his tally of 123 ODI wickets.

Sheldon Cottrell

He may be most renowned for his viral celebration where he marches down the wicket followed by a salute after every dismissal, but his talent can’t be ignored as was witnessed in England recently. The 29-year-old ended the World Cup as his country’s highest wicket taker and will be hoping to carry the same form into the series against India.