England vs West Indies – 1st ODI – Match Preview
After playing underdogs to http://www.senore.com/Cricket/West-Indies-c760 will attempt to prove a point as they battle the hosts in the 1st ODI, at Southampton, welcoming back some of the indomitable forces in T20 cricket.
While the longer version bouts were all about the spirit of Windies’ cricket, the ODI series will definitely provide a balanced contest between the two sides – a daunting batting lineup, coming up against a resolute local side headed by http://www.senore.com/Cricket/AN-Cook-c1026.
Before the commencement of the tour, all the talks were focused solely on the imminent return of http://www.senore.com/Cricket/KP-Pietersen-c1806. The news had caught the English
management off guard but the ECB have shown little leniency despite expressing disappointment at losing one of their most accomplished player.
KP’s absence has ordered a reshuffle, with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/IR-Bell-c1597 assigned with the intimidating task of replacing the 31-year-old. The opportunity presented to Bell could be a blessing in disguise after he was omitted from the ODI squad earlier in the year. Recognized
by many as the most accomplished English player, the player just needs to bat his own way rather than emulating KP’s methods.
An injury scare however, is lingering over Bell’s shoulder, who struck a blow during a training session. If fit, he will open with Cook, leaving http://www.senore.com/Cricket/C-Kieswetter-c1206 to drop down the order. Jonny Bairstow’s poor run in his debut Test series might see him relinquish
his place to the fit again http://www.senore.com/Cricket/RS-Bopara-c2373.
Bopara has been in prime form since returning to the English domestic season, scoring two back to back centuries for http://www.senore.com/Cricket/ST-Finn-c2566 is ready to take
the third seamer’s place.
While the English contingent looks solid, Windies’ have added considerable depth to their batting lineup. Gayle’s inclusion has already lifted the spirits in the camp, with the explosive left-hander finally coming to terms with the new philosophy of the
side under skipper http://www.senore.com/Cricket/DJG-Sammy-c1382.
However, the conditions in England are completely different from the Indian Premier League, where the Bangalore pitch aided his style of play. Nonetheless, he got a head start after featuring in the warm-up game against http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Middlesex-c817, scoring a quick 34 and
claiming two wickets, which his side won by a whopping 228-run margin.
That game also marked the return of other explosive players, including http://www.senore.com/Cricket/KA-Pollard-c1754, all of whom have the ability to clear the rope by a fair margin. Their addition will further strengthen the middle-order and ensure a larger
influx of all-rounders – essential in a 50-over format. http://www.senore.com/Cricket/R-Rampaul-c2233 will add depth to the bowling lineup, despite the former failing to perform on his debut Test match.
The last ODI series they played at home, they gave a good account of themselves, restricting http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Australia-c746 to a 2-2 draw. They will be hoping to go one step ahead and claim a much-needed series’ victory. The odds certainly favour them.
The pitch at Rose Bowl will offer help for the bowlers but all could change if Gayle gets into his groove. The forecast however, is bleak with rain ready to spoil the party.
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