ICC World Cup 2019 Match 19, England vs West Indies: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

Following their shock defeat against Pakistan, England turned things around in the World Cup with a comfortable win over Bangladesh. West Indies, on the other hand, had routed Pakistan and lost a topsy-turvy match to Australia before their match against South Africa was washed out.

With Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, and Moeen Ali on one side, and Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope, Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder, and Andre Russell on the other, the encounter between the two teams at Rose Bowl was supposed to be a runfest.

But that may not happen: the West Indian batsmen faltered against Australia, and have not really been tested otherwise, so there is some catching up to do.

However, West Indies have definitely bowled better, especially at the start. They bowled out Pakistan for 105, had Australia on the mat at 38/4 before letting them go, and South Africa at 29/2 before rain intervened. They need to make early inroads yet again if they have to stay afloat against England.

It is not that England have been ordinary with ball. Jofra Archer has lived up to the hype, and with Moeen back in business after missing the Bangladesh match, England’s attack looks sorted. Their bowlers, while not known for running through sides, are economical – and all of them are six-hitters.

And it is this bottomless batting line-up that will make England favourites for Friday.

Head to head

England hold a 51-44 advantage in head-to-head contests. Their last series, in West Indies earlier this year, was drawn 2-2 after England went up 1-0 and then 2-1.

England also lead 22-15 when it comes to clashes in England. In fact, they had won the last three series 2-0 (2009), 2-0 (2012), and 4-0 (2017).

On the other hand, West Indies won the only time the sides had met in a World Cup match on English soil – in the 1979 final. However, England have won all the other 5 matches in World Cup cricket.

Key players

Jofra Archer (England): Fast, accurate, and canny, Archer has already lived up to expectations after being fast-tracked into the England side. However, Archer will now be up against West Indies, his country of birth, whom he had represented in Under-19 ODIs. How will he fare?

Chris Gayle (West Indies): Universe Boss loves a show, and he did put up one immediately after announcing his retirement by hitting 39 sixes in 4 innings against England. He had blasted Pakistan away and got out under controversial circumstances under Australia; he will now want to stamp his mark on the tournament.

Likely XIs

England: Jason Roy, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Eoin Morgan (c), Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler (wk), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Adil Rashid.

West Indies: Chris Gayle, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope (wk), Nicholas Pooran, Shimron Hetmyer, Jason Holder (c), Andre Russell, Carlos Brathwaite, Ashley Nurse, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas.

Prediction

England to win, but not easily.