ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 | West Indies' predicted XI for the game against England
West Indies looked in complete control against South Africa having restricted the Proteas to 29/2 before the Rain Gods decided to rob them of a second victory in the Cup. Sadly, after three out of the four recent games were washed out, there is a chance of rain in Southampton as well.
Openers
Chris Gayle : In what appears to be his last World Cup, the Universe Boss seems adamant to leave his mark. After a half-century against Pakistan, he became the first player in the history to review his wickets thrice in one innings. The final one proved to be his dismissal but it was on Umpire’s call. England should be running scared because he might just unleash beast mode for his misfortune against the Aussies.
Evin Lewis : While the Rose Bowl might not be the highest scoring ground in England, just over a month ago, Pakistan and England scored a combined 734 runs there. Out of these, 311 were scored by the openers on both sides. We all know what Evin Lewis is capable of and if he decides to go for it, England could be in a heap of trouble.
Middle-order
Shai Hope : With Lewis out for the first game, Hope was pushed up the order to open alongside Gayle. He has a torrid outing with just 11 runs but after returning to his usual No. 3 spot, Hope scored a slow 68 after two early dismissals. With Darren Bravo being his only competition, Hope’s place is secure.
Nicholas Pooran : He looks like he is up for it! He followed up his unbeaten 34 against Pakistan with a comfortable 40 against the Aussies. However, one thing that I will hold against him is that he tends to go for the big shots too frequently. Playing at No. 4 he needs to show a little more patience and get his team to big scores.
Shimron Hetmyer : He is an incredible talent! India got a front row seat to his brilliance when Windies came touring last year and that played a part in him getting the big money deal with RCB. He hasn’t really had to do too much so far which means that he hasn’t done too much wrong and that will ensure he keeps hold of his No. 5 spot.
All-rounders
Jason Holder : The Windies skipper has been exceptional in the World Cup so far - with both bat and ball. Even if that wasn’t the case, being the captain allows him to put himself up as the first name on the sheet.
Andre Russell : But that doesn’t mean Holder puts his name first. If Russell - the Muscle - is fit, he definitely gets the nod before everyone else. He was seen practicing in the sessions and should be ready to put on the jersey come game time today.
Carlos Brathwaite : This is the first time Brathwaite and Stokes will go up against one another since that crazy night at the Eden Gardens more than three years ago. While he has been very good with the ball in the World Cup so far, I would have picked him for this match in any case.
Spinner
Ashley Nurse : Nurse hasn’t been called upon for some real heavy-lifting with the pacers carrying the workload in the World Cup so far. Also, Windies don’t really have another true spinner in the side and they will not risk going in with an all-out pace attack which allows Nurse to keep his place in the lineup.
Pacers
Sheldon Cottrell : That celebration has the chance of going down as one of the most memorable ones in cricket history. Even though he has already scalped five wickets in three games, it is the celebration that earns him a place in our XI.
Oshane Thomas : After wreaking havoc against Pakistan, Thomas was handed the new ball in the next game. He didn’t disappoint either by dismissing Finch in his second over before sending Steve Smith packing and avoiding a late onslaught. Even his 12 wides in the game are not enough to dislodge him from the lineup.
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