T20 World Cup 2021: ENG vs WI Preview – Finalists of 2016 World Cup confront each other

The finalists of the 2016 T20 World Cup – England and West Indies – will lock horns to commence their T20 World Cup campaigns. Ben Stokes and Carlos Brathwaite both are not part of their respective teams due to various reasons but that doesn’t take anything away from this marquee game.

While West Indies continue to be a force to reckon with in the shortest format, England have become a stronger limited-overs outfit having won the 50-over World Cup a couple of years ago as well. With a lot of powerful hitters in action in this game, the fans can expect a wonderful game and with this being a group of death, every game is crucial for the teams.

Head to head

Match Details

T20 WC 2021, Super 12 – Match 14: England vs West Indies

Venue – Dubai International Cricket Stadium, Dubai

Time – 7:30 PM IST

Team news

England

England’s three batters – Jason Roy, Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow – pick themselves. Dawid Malan should bat at three if picked while one of Liam Livingstone and Moeen Ali are the contenders to bat six after skipper Eoin Morgan. Adil Rashid will be the lone specialist spinner and the fast bowlers Chris Woakes, David Willey and Mark Wood should play. Tymal Mills is also part of the squad while Sam Billings is the other batter who will have to wait for his opportunity.

West Indies

West Indies lost both their warm-up matches with their batting struggling. Evin Lewis and either Andre Fletcher or Lendl Simmons should open the innings for them. Obed McCoy, skipper Pollard, Dwayne Bravo are the automatic picks along with Nicholas Pooran. Chris Gayle batted at three during bilateral T20Is at home but his form is under the scanner and might not be a certainty in the XI. However, West Indies are likely to give him an opportunity in the group stage matches. Akeal Hosein and Hayden Walsh are the two spin options while Ravi Rampaul is also part of the squad.

Probable XI