West Indies white ball head coach Daren Sammy says there’s still optimism in his camp that they can overcome the 0-2 deficit they currently face in their five-game T20I series against England.
The hosts lost the first two game of the series at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Saturday and Sunday, with the rest of the series now shifting to the Daren Sammy Stadium in St. Lucia beginning with the third T20I on Thursday.
“Most definitely, especially here in St. Lucia,” Sammy said in a pre-match interview on Tuesday regarding his team’s optimism ahead of Thursday’s must-win game and the rest of the series.
“Yes, England have played better cricket than us in these first two games but I’ve rallied St. Lucia to come out and be the 12th man that we need here. We just haven’t played the brand of cricket that has allowed us to win and it’s something that we’re going to address but we have the manpower within that dressing room to win on Thursday and take it one game at a time,” he added.
The West Indies will be without two key players for the rest of the series in Andre Russell and Shamar Joseph.
Russell suffered an ankle injury in the first T20I on Saturday and has been ruled out for the rest of the series while Joseph has left the squad to prepare for the upcoming Test series against Bangladesh starting on November 22 in Antigua.
Replacing the pair are all-rounder Shamar Springer and spearhead Alzarri Joseph, returning to the squad after serving a two-game suspension.
“It’s always a blow to replace somebody like Andre Russell. We have young Shamar Springer who made his debut in Sri Lanka to replace him. He’s a really exciting prospect,” Sammy said.
“Shamar will go in and get ready for the Test series and Alzarri is back from his suspension. We’re looking forward to welcoming him and the experience he brings to the squad. Yes, we lose two key guys but we get two guys who are capable of doing the job for the team as well,” he added.
All-rounder Shamar Springer and pacer Alzarri Joseph have been drafted into the West Indies T20I squad ahead of the crucial St. Lucia leg of their “Rivalry” series against England, CWI announced on Tuesday.
Springer replaces Andre Russell who has been ruled out due to a left ankle sprain sustained during the opening T20I at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on Saturday.
The 26-year-old Bajan recently made his international debut during the West Indies tour of Sri Lanka in October.
The other change sees Alzarri Joseph, having completed his two-match suspension, rejoin the squad in Saint Lucia, replacing Shamar Joseph.
The West Indies currently trail the five-match series 0-2.
The squad for the final three games is as follows:
Remaining Schedule of West Indies vs England T20I Series:
3rd T20 International: 14 November 2024- Daren Sammy Stadium, Saint Lucia
4th T20 International: 16 November 2024- Daren Sammy Stadium, Saint Lucia
5th T20 International: 17 November 2024- Daren Sammy Stadium, Saint Lucia
Jos Buttler "enjoyed" being back out in the middle after powering England to a seven-wicket victory over West Indies in the second T20I.
The captain scored 83 off 45 balls, hitting eight fours and six sixes in his knock, as he turned the game back in England's favour, having been taken for a golden duck in his first match back from injury last time out.
West Indies struggled to gain momentum early on, with Rovman Powell's 43 settling them somewhat after a shaky start, but Saqib Mahmood (2-20), Liam Livingstone (2-16) and Dan Mousley (2-29) kept England in a good position, helping keep their target down as the hosts finished on 158-8.
The chase got off to the worst possible start though, as Phil Salt was dismissed on the first ball, but Buttler stepped in to put up a 129-run stand with Will Jacks before they were both dismissed by Romario Shepherd in the 13th over.
Livingstone (23) and Jacob Bethell (3) then helped get the tourists over the line, reaching 161 with 31 balls remaining to extend their series lead to 2-0.
Buttler was pleased to find his rhythm this time around but is already looking ahead to how they can stay in control in the third match.
"It is great to spend time in the middle. I was a bit scratchy for the first few balls, but I managed to come through that period and really enjoyed it. It was great to be back out there," Buttler told TNT Sports.
"I have lots of experience, I have played for a while and batted in lots of different positions. I am just waiting to see what happens and playing what is in front of me.
"We have got to start again [in the third T20I of the series]. We are playing a top team in the West Indies, who are excellent in T20 cricket. They will come back hard, and we have to be ready from ball one in the next game."
West Indies stumbled through the powerplay, losing their first three wickets in the first four overs for just 35 runs.
Powell was disappointed not to make a better start, pointing out that they gave themselves a mountain to climb.
"Obviously the surface gave a bit to the fast bowlers, something that is a trend here in Barbados," he said. Teams generally win the toss and bowl because of what can happen in the first six [overs].
"It's a case of us trying to come out of powerplay not three down. The statistics show that if you do that, the majority of the time you come out on the losing side. As a batting group, we have to adjust.
"Somebody in the top four or five needs to bat the majority of the overs. In the past, we have done that but have struggled to do that in this series. The next three games provide an opportunity for batters to do that."
The West Indies’ hopes of bouncing back against England were dashed on Sunday, as the visitors clinched a seven-wicket victory at Kensington Oval, putting them up 2-0 in the five-match T20I series. England’s chase of 159 was spearheaded by a scintillating 83 off 45 balls from captain Jos Buttler, who led his team to victory with more than five overs to spare.
Batting at No. 3, Buttler quickly found his rhythm after England lost Phil Salt on the first ball of the innings. Teaming up with Will Jacks, Buttler unleashed an array of boundaries, hammering eight fours and six sixes in his 26th fifty-plus T20I score. The pair built a commanding 129-run partnership off 72 balls, which all but sealed the game for England. Both Buttler and Jacks fell in the same over to Romario Shepherd, but by then, England were firmly in control, with Liam Livingstone striking four boundaries and a six in his 11-ball cameo to finish the match.
Earlier, West Indies struggled to build momentum after winning the toss and choosing to bat. Saqib Mahmood’s early strikes left the hosts reeling at 35-3 within the powerplay. Captain Rovman Powell fought back with a gritty 43 off 41 balls, finding occasional support from Nicholas Pooran, who added 15 in a sluggish 35-run partnership. However, West Indies’ batsmen struggled to handle England’s disciplined bowling, with Livingstone and Dan Mousley sharing four wickets between them.
Powell finally found his range, clearing the midwicket boundary with a powerful six off Livingstone. But just as he looked set to accelerate, he was undone by Mousley’s accurate yorker, which bowled him for 43, halting the Scorpions' scoring push in the 17th over.
Despite a late surge from the lower order, which included some quick runs from Gudakesh Motie, Shepherd, and debutant Terrance Hinds, West Indies managed only 158-8 from their 20 overs. Mahmood was England's standout bowler in the early overs, taking two crucial wickets, while Livingstone finished with 2-16, effectively stifling West Indies' momentum.
In the chase, West Indies needed early breakthroughs, and Akeal Hosein delivered by dismissing Salt with his first ball. However, Buttler’s attacking approach quickly dashed any hopes of a West Indies comeback. Jacks and Buttler accumulated runs rapidly, with Jacks striking boundaries off Matthew Forde and Hosein. Buttler then took charge in the powerplay’s final over, smashing three consecutive boundaries off Shepherd and reaching a 32-ball fifty by launching Roston Chase into the crowd.
With this win, England holds a commanding 2-0 lead in the series. West Indies will need to regroup and address their batting struggles if they are to stay competitive in the remaining matches. The teams will meet again for the third T20I, with West Indies hoping to turn things around and keep the series alive.
England once again showcased their firepower in securing an eight-wicket victory over West Indies in the first of their five T20 internationals, thanks largely to Phil Salt’s brutal unbeaten century in what was a thrilling contest at Kensington Oval on Saturday.
Salt’s blistering 103 off 54 balls, which featured nine boundaries and two sixes, set the stage for England’s successful pursuit of the 182-9 set by West Indies—the highest run chase ever achieved at the venue—as they comfortably got to 183-2 with 19 balls to spare.
He was well supported by Jacob Bethell, who carved out his maiden T20 half-century, finishing with a splendid 58 off 36 deliveries in what was a deeply meaningful knock.
Bethell, 21, became the youngest player to reach this milestone in this format for England, at a venue close to his heart as he spent his early years in Barbados.
Scores: West Indies 182-9 (20 overs); England 183-2 (16.5 overs)
Sent in to bat first, West Indies struggled early, with wickets tumbling at regular intervals. Seamer Saqib Mahmood dismantled the top order as he accounted for Brandon King (3), Evin Lewis (13), and Shimron Hetmyer (zero), while spinner Adil Rashid snared the scalps of captain Rovman Powell (18) and Sherfane Rutherford (two) to leave the Caribbean side 69-5 in the ninth over.
However, Andre Russell smashed four sixes in a 17-ball 30, and Nicholas Pooran (38) initiated a gritty recovery, putting together a 39-run partnership that began to stabilize the innings. Pooran had two sixes and three fours in his 29-ball knock.
When both fell in quick succession, Romario Shepherd, who was left unbeaten on 35, and Gudakesh Motie (33) came to the rescue with an invaluable 49-run stand for the ninth wicket, which boosted West Indies to a respectable 182-9.
Motie used 14 balls for his knock, which had four boundaries and two sixes, while Shepherd had three fours and two sixes in his 22-ball innings.
Mahmood ended with 4-34, and Rashid (3-32).
Despite the late fightback, West Indies’ total was put into perspective by Salt’s heroics. His century marked his third against the Caribbean side and proved to be a masterclass in chasing under pressure.
Salt, along with opening partner Will Jacks (17), added a solid 73 runs before the latter was cleaned up by Motie. The defining moment, however, was the seamless 107-run partnership with Bethell, as the two took West Indies bowlers to task to seal a comprehensive win.
The second encounter is scheduled for Sunday, as West Indies will be looking to regroup and rebound to level the series.
Jos Buttler has said he was worried about losing the England white-ball captaincy during a disappointing period for his country.
England recently lost both of their world titles in both T20 and ODI, with head coach Matthew Mott sacked as a result.
Buttler, meanwhile, was spared by managing director Rob Key, with incoming manager Brendon McCullum, who is expanding his England role to include coaching the ODI and T20I teams until 2027, also expressing his confidence in Buttler's role as captain.
The 34-year-old will return for England on Saturday as they face West Indies in the first of their five-match T20 series. It will be the first time since the T20 World Cup semi-final exit in June that Buttler has played for his country.
"I thought it was a possibility, absolutely," he admitted when asked whether he thought he could have lost the captaincy.
"But Keysy believed I could lead the team forward and captain into the future. I had some good conversations with him and I said I didn't want to be doing it because I'm the only person to do it. I want to be doing it because I'm the right person to do it.
"I've really enjoyed the honour of doing it, it's something I believe I can do well, something I know I can always get better at, just as with batting or wicketkeeping, it's a skill that you can improve.
"It actually became very clear that you're determined to do it and keep going."
West Indies T20 captain Rovman Powell called the unavailability of pacer Alzarri Joseph a big loss on the eve of the first of five T20 Internationals against England at the Kensington Oval in Barbados.
Joseph was suspended by Cricket West Indies for two games after abruptly leaving the field during the series-deciding third ODI between the West Indies and England at the same venue on Wednesday which the hosts won by eight wickets to claim a 2-1 series win.
“It’s a definite loss for us,” Powell said in a pre-match press conference on Friday.
“He’s the spearhead of our attack and one of our more experienced bowlers but, having said that, we have capable replacements. When you look on the bench strength, I think guys that are waiting in the wings are good also. It’s an opportunity for somebody to step up and be counted,” he added.
The West Indian T20 side are coming off a disappointing series loss to Sri Lanka and will be looking to bounce back against opponents they have become very familiar with over the years, especially on their home turf.
“Every time England comes to the Caribbean it’s a big rivalry. England is one of the best teams in the world so it definitely brings out the best in us from a T20 perspective,” Powell said.
“I think we’ve been playing some good T20 cricket so this series provides an opportunity for us to continue to do that,” he added.
Another added thought in the mind of players in the format this time of year is the looming IPL player auction.
With the amount of cricket played throughout the year, however, Powell doesn’t see how anyone’s performance in these five games will determine whether or not they are picked up during the auction on November 24 and 25.
Instead, Powell wants his team to focus on the task at hand.
“A lot of scouting has already been done. I don’t think five games would actually change the decisions of where IPL teams will go. It’s just for us from an individual standpoint to focus on what we can contribute to our team and leave the rest to whatever,” he said.
With the ODI team just winning their series, Powell was asked about whether or not there is pressure for the T20 side to do the same.
“There is always pressure, especially playing at home against such a good opponent,” he said.
“Fortunately for us as a T20 team, we’ve been managing that pressure pretty well, so far,” he added.
The first T20I bowls off tomorrow at 3:00pm JA time/4:00pm ECT.
Cricket West Indies has named a dynamic 15-man squad for the first two matches of the 'Rivalry' T20I series against England, with Rovman Powell leading the team as captain.
Following a dominant 2-1 ODI series win capped by a decisive eight-wicket victory at the Kensington Oval, the West Indies team heads into this series with renewed confidence. The squad announced for the first two games in Barbados showcases a mix of seasoned T20 stars and in-form players who have excelled in recent competitions.
The squad includes seasoned players such as Roston Chase and Shimron Hetmyer, alongside the versatile talents of Matthew Forde and Terrance Hinds. Shai Hope, Akeal Hosein, and Shamar Joseph bring further strength to the lineup, while explosive batsmen Brandon King and Evin Lewis add depth at the top. Gudakesh Motie joins Nicholas Pooran, returning with Andre Russell after both missed the recent tour to Sri Lanka, and Sherfane Rutherford and Romario Shepherd complete a formidable squad, ready to go for another victorious series in front of home fans.
Guiding the team is Head Coach Daren Sammy, who is joined by Team Manager Rawl Lewis. Supporting Sammy are Rayon Griffith as the fielding coach, Floyd Reifer handling batting responsibilities, and James Franklin overseeing bowling. The team’s physiotherapist is Denis Byam, with Ronald Rogers providing strength and conditioning expertise, while Dane Currency attends to the squad’s massage therapy needs. Avenesh Seetaram contributes his analytical insights as the team analyst, and Jerome Foster will serve as the Media and Content Officer.
The 'Rivalry' series kicks off with two back-to-back matches at the Kensington Oval in Barbados on November 9 and 10, before moving to Saint Lucia for three more games at the Daren Sammy Stadium on November 14, 16, and 17. Fans across the Caribbean are set for an action-packed series as the West Indies aim to extend their undefeated home streak in T20Is, facing off against a challenging England squad in what promises to be a thrilling display of cricket.
Guyana and West Indies cricketers Romario Shepherd and Keemo Paul are lending their support to the budding cricket stars of Region One, standing behind the Under-13 Tapeball Competition with a generous sponsorship of $300,000 for the first-place cash prize.
The tournament, which kicked off recently at the Kamwatta Recreation Ground, is organized by the Sebai Primary School PTA and is being held under the impactful theme, “End Child Labour.”
Shepherd, who has been a longtime supporter of the event, and Paul’s involvement mark a strong show of commitment to nurturing youth talent while raising awareness around child labour in the region.
The final match, scheduled for November 16 at Fitzburg Recreational Ground, promises to be a grand affair.
Thanks to the International Organization for Migration, champions will receive beautifully crafted trophies, while the Ministry of Labour has sponsored trophies for sub-regional winners and runners-up.
The competition is the result of a combined community effort, with other sponsors stepping forward to offer their support, as Orlando Rogers of One Plus Total Solutions and Skywest Charter Service have donated the $200,000 second-place prize.
Meanwhile, ASP Chandradat Kooldeep, Maureen Rebeiro, Pro Red Resources, Peter De Freitas, International Imports and Supplies, Breeze Enterprise, Frontier Pharmacy, Mr. Ram Supreme Construction, Toshau Barmeter, CDC Chair Matthew’s Ridge, Alana James Amin, and the Department of Education Region One have all contributed to making the event a success.
Giving the lineup of young talent from various primary schools competing, the Under-13 Tapeball Competition is not just a game but a platform for personal growth and an important message to combat child labour in the community.
West Indies opener Brandon King expressed his delight after scoring a match-winning 102 in the third and final One Day International (ODI) against England, helping his team secure an emphatic eight-wicket victory and seal the series 2-1. King’s third ODI century came at a pivotal time after a challenging run of low scores, with the batsman only managing 63, 5, 23, 14, 16, 16, 30, and 7 across matches stretching back to the series against Sri Lanka in early October.
In Wednesday night’s clash at Kensington Oval in Barbados, Player of the Match King found his form alongside Kaecy Carty, who scored an unbeaten 128. The pair forged a record-breaking 209-run partnership, setting up the West Indies’ chase of England’s 263-8 and delivering a memorable series win for the home side.
Reflecting on his return to form, King attributed his performance to sticking with his routine and mental approach despite the string of low scores.
"After a fair number of starts, I’m fortunate this hundred came in such a crucial match," King said. "I kept to my processes, maintained the same intensity, and trusted in my ability. Kaecy played a fantastic innings, batting fluently, which really helped both of us build a strong platform."
In addition to his innings with the bat, King made a notable impact in the field with a stunning relay catch to dismiss England’s Phil Salt, who had threatened with a score of 74. In the 34th over, Salt attempted to clear wide long-on but found King stationed deep. King leapt backward to grab the catch, managing to stay in balance near the boundary rope, and then backhanded the ball to Alzarri Joseph, who completed the dismissal.
Speaking about the catch, King commented, "[On Salt’s dismissal] I had a bit of room, and luckily Alzarri was there to give me a bit of help. It was one of those moments where everything just clicked."
With this hard-fought series win, led by King’s resurgence and Carty’s steady knock, the West Indies head into the upcoming five-match T20 series against England with momentum and renewed confidence.
West Indies white-ball coach Darren Sammy has voiced his displeasure with fast bowler Alzarri Joseph’s behavior during the decisive third One Day International (ODI) against England on Wednesday night. Despite Joseph’s contribution of two wickets, his conduct on the field drew criticism from Sammy, as the West Indies clinched the series 2-1 with an emphatic eight-wicket victory.
The match, held at Kensington Oval in Barbados, saw a record-breaking second-wicket stand of 209 runs between Kaecy Carty, who scored an unbeaten 128, and Brandon King, who added 102. Their efforts helped the West Indies easily chase down England’s total of 263-8 in 50 overs.
However, it was Joseph’s behavior during the fourth over of the England innings that became a talking point. The fast bowler appeared frustrated with a field placement and had a visible disagreement with captain Shai Hope. After removing Jordan Cox caught behind on the fourth ball, Joseph did not celebrate with his teammates, instead returning to his mark without acknowledging the dismissal. At the end of the over, he left the field unannounced, forcing the West Indies to start the fifth over with only ten players.
Speaking to TalkSPORT after the match, Sammy did not mince words, labeling Joseph’s actions as unacceptable.
"Behavior like that is unacceptable on my cricket field," Sammy said. "We will be friends… but in the culture I'm trying to build, that’s unacceptable. We will definitely have a chat about that."
Joseph returned to the field for the sixth over but did not resume bowling until the 12th. After two misfields that allowed England to score through overthrows, he left the field again, returning later to bowl a few overs in the middle and his remaining three at the death. He finished the match with figures of 2 for 45 from his 10 overs, adding Dan Mousley to his list of victims.
Sammy, who took over as head coach in May 2023, is renowned for his man-management skills, having successfully persuaded several notable players, including Andre Russell and Evin Lewis, to rejoin the international squad. Known for fostering a strong team culture, Sammy emphasized his commitment to addressing issues constructively.
"I pride myself on having the difficult conversations," Sammy said. "But in a way that everybody understands what is needed to be done. To see guys going out there and slowly progressing in the right direction makes me proud. There’s still a lot of work to be done, but it’s one that I’m quite passionate about."
As the West Indies prepare for a five-match T20 series against England, Sammy hinted that seasoned players Nicholas Pooran and Akeal Hosein, who missed the recent series against Sri Lanka, may make their return.
"We’ve got a couple of senior players who were not in Sri Lanka that we expect to be back," Sammy revealed. "Our T20 team is our most successful team and our most settled team. So, yes, we incorporate some new guys to give them that exposure, but our T20 team normally picks itself."
With an eye on building a resilient and disciplined squad, Sammy’s leadership will undoubtedly focus on setting a standard for on-field behavior as the team moves forward in both formats.
West Indies secured a thrilling eight-wicket victory over England in the third ODI at Kensington Oval on Wednesday, sealing a 2-1 series win. Powered by centuries from Keacy Carty and Brandon King, the hosts chased down England’s 263-run target with ease under the floodlights.
England, after a rough start that left them reeling at 24 for 4, rallied to post a competitive 263 for 8, thanks largely to Phil Salt’s 74 and Dan Mousley’s inventive 57. Jamie Overton contributed a brisk 32 off 21 balls, and Jofra Archer added firepower with an unbeaten 38 off just 17 deliveries. Despite their efforts, the West Indies bowlers had already left a mark, with Alzarri Joseph (2 for 40) and Romario Shepherd (2 for 48) taking key early wickets alongside Matthew Forde’s standout 3 for 35.
In reply, West Indies wasted no time asserting dominance. Brandon King launched into Jofra Archer’s first over, slamming consecutive boundaries to set the tone. Although Evin Lewis was dismissed for 19, King and Carty anchored the innings with a record-breaking 209-run partnership, the highest for West Indies against England in ODI cricket. King, who benefitted from two dropped catches, reached his third ODI hundred before being bowled for 102 with just 13 runs needed. Carty’s unbeaten 128 off 97 balls was a maiden ODI century, making him the first cricketer from St. Maarten to reach three figures for West Indies.
The win, secured with ample overs to spare, highlighted the potent combination of West Indies’ bowling strength and the emerging batting prowess of Carty and King, who have undoubtedly set a high standard for the future of Caribbean cricket.
West Indies ODI captain Shai Hope has once again stressed the importance of executing efficiently in order to clinch the series decider against England in a crucial contest at the iconic Kensington Oval in Barbados on Wednesday.
Scheduled for a 1:00 pm start, the day-night match has stirred excitement among fans, with Hope rallying his side to draw from their recent performances and focus on building momentum for a strong finish in the three-match series.
The series is currently locked at 1-1 after the West Indies won the opening contest by eight wickets, before England topped the second by five wickets.
“It’s the biggest game of the series because we unfortunately conceded the last game, but this is a great occasion for us; we understand that we have a lot in front of us and we understand that we have to play good cricket to get over the England team,” Hope said in a pre-game interview.
Reflecting on the second ODI, where he led by example with a brilliant 117, Hope underscored the significance of consistency in both batting and bowling.
His century, along with half-centuries from Sherfane Rutherford (54) and Keacy Carty (71), were standout moments in a match that tested the resilience and skill of the West Indies lineup. However, the bowling department failed to deliver as England’s captain, Liam Livingstone, struck an unbeaten 124 to get his team across the line.
“I’ll continue to preach that we need consistency in order for us to consider ourselves an elite team. We have to string performances together; it can’t always be one game or two games in a series; we have to seal it,” Hope said.
“We have to play good cricket all the way through, and it is important that we understand the condition, the times of the game that we are supposed to be pressing and supposed to be relaxed. So, we have to be more consistent disciplined with our skills and make sure when we get to those crucial points of the game we press on,” he stressed.
That said, Hope believes that his team is mentally primed for the challenge.
“We are always mentally ready; I think that these most recent months we have been playing some really good cricket. We’ve had our ups and downs yes, but we can definitely see some improvements in the different stages in the game. For us, we have to ensure that we always have that positive mindset regardless of what we do in the field,” the Barbadian said.
“We have to believe in our skills both inside and outside to ensure we have all the capable assets to go out there and perform for the West Indies. But the feeling is always good; the guys are raring and ready to go; we understand what is at stake, and this is basically a final for us,” Hope added, emphasizing that while the rivalry adds an edge to the contest, they are not letting it overshadow their approach.
West Indies are currently 3-2 ahead in the head-to-head of the last five ODI meetings between the two teams dating back to December 2023.
“You have an understanding of the history, but the past is the past because you have to go out there and play what is in front of you. You have to stay in the present, but we know what we are playing for. We know the amount of history that there is in our rivalry, so it is something that we have in the back of our minds, but not something we let get the better of us,” Hope ended.
Phil Salt will be wicketkeeper in England’s upcoming T20I series against West Indies as white-ball captain Jos Buttler looks to improve his captaincy.
Buttler has been ruled out with a calf strain but will return to England's squad for the five-match T20I series that begins on Saturday.
Until now, Salt has kept in just 13 of his 59 England appearances across all formats but has taken up the mantle for the ongoing ODI series against West Indies.
Buttler, on the other hand, has donned the gloves in 106 of his 108 T20Is.
Salt, though, is enjoying his new role.
"It's not something I've done a lot for England recently, but I enjoy keeping. I feel like that's where I offer most to the side," Salt said, as reported by ESPN.
"We've not had a chat about anything going forward. I'm just glad to be doing it at the moment."
While Salt is not guaranteed the gloves after this series, he will find comfort in Buttler's intent to optimise his captaincy by experimenting with a role in the field.
"I was going to give up the gloves and commit to being at mid-off and see how that felt. If it will help me with my captaincy it is something I am open to," Buttler told Sky Sports in September after being ruled out of the T20 series against Australia.
England are tied 1-1 in their ODI series against the West Indies with the decider to be played on Wednesday.
West Indies white-ball coach Darren Sammy was both encouraged and frustrated after his team’s five-wicket loss to England in the second ODI in North Sound, Antigua, on Saturday.
Despite a standout batting performance that saw West Indies post a formidable 328-6, Sammy believes missed opportunities in the bowling department ultimately handed England the edge. England chased down the total with relative ease, finishing on 329-5 with captain Liam Livingstone’s masterful unbeaten 124 leading the way.
“It is tough. Obviously, when you put 328 on the board, you expect to win. However, that is the beauty of international cricket; at the halfway stage, when one aspect of the job is done, you can never be complacent about it. Yes, Liam Livingstone played a brilliant innings to get his team home, but I thought as a bowling group our execution was really off, hence we lost a record chase here in Antigua,” Sammy said in a post-game interview.
While disappointed with the loss, Sammy found reasons for optimism, particularly in captain Shai Hope’s exceptional 117—his 17th ODI century—which was the highlight of the innings and pushed him to joint third on the all-time West Indies ODI century list.
Hope received ample support from Keacy Carty (71) and Sherfane Rutherford (54), whose solid contributions underscored the team’s depth in the middle order.
“I think we did some really good things; Shai Hope another 100, the joint fourth most by a West Indian, the way Keacy Carty batted, as well as Sherfane Rutherford making a fourth-consecutive 50. The way Matthew Forde bowled and the way Roston Chase came back after being put under pressure in the second over,” Sammy reasoned.
“So we were right in the game until the last 10 overs, where I think they scored 100 off seven overs; that is not good enough. But I think as a team, it is about understanding where we are at and the small steps that we have to take to improve,” he noted.
With Livingstone anchoring England’s chase alongside contributions from Phil Salt (59), Jacob Bethell (55), and Sam Curran (52), Sammy acknowledged that the West Indies bowling attack could have been more effective in applying pressure to seal the win after Hope’s brilliance.
“I think Shai will be the first one to tell you that it (his knock) doesn’t matter because it came off a losing cause. But, as I said before, Shai Hope is a class act and one of our icons in ODI cricket, but I know he would want nothing more than a win instead of a hundred.
“Again, it (the overall performance) shows that we are still far off but we are making little strides that will help us along our way with the goal that we have moving forward,” Sammy explained.
With the three-match series now tied 1-1, Sammy expressed hope that West Indies will bring their best game to the decider in Barbados on Wednesday.
“This is a rivalry, so we have all to play for at home. The last time we played in Barbados, we made history and won, so I am hoping we can again. It is two young teams looking to develop and get better in ODI cricket. Again, it is all to play for, so if the fans come out and support, in return, we have to give you guys something to smile about in Barbados,” Sammy ended.
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