After what has been a thrilling series so far in the Caribbean, the West Indies and England will both be hoping to wrap up a valuable series win in the fifth and final T20. Both sides came into the series with a point to prove, but only one will walk away having succeeded. Who will come out on top? Read on for our full West Indies vs England fifth T20 preview and prediction:
West Indies vs England Fifth T20 Preview and Prediction
Series So Far
England, having arrived in the Caribbean fresh from an Ashes hammering, offered little comfort to their supporters when they suffered another top order collapse. They recovered slightly to put 103 runs on the board, but that was never likely to be enough and so it proved. But they battled back gamely in the second match, even if their death bowling nearly cost them, levelling the series with a one-run win with contributions throughout the batting line-up.
In the third match, it was the Rovman Powell show with the right-hander hitting a blistering century to set the game up for the West Indies. Tom Banton and Phil Salt made 50’s in reply, but England fell 20 runs short. But England were back to something like their best in the fourth match. Stand-in captain Moeen Ali led the way with bat and ball, whilst Reece Topley was once again England’s most economical bowler, going for just 21 runs in his four overs.
Expected Teams
Shai Hope’s struggles with the bat saw him replaced by Kyle Mayers at the top of the order and the Barbadian was probably the pick of the West Indian batters in their losing effort. Brandon King will partner him, with Nicholas Pooran, Powell and Darren Bravo the middle order batters. Kieron Pollard and Jason Holder will feature as all-rounders along with Romario Shepherd. Akeal Hosein and Fabian Allen will provide spin-bowling options with Sheldon Cottrell completing the XI.
England captain Eoin Morgan will miss out again with injury. Jason Roy and Tom Banton will open the batting, with James Vince and Ali in next. Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt and Sam Billings will be tasked with accelerating if called upon. The bowling contingent will likely consist of Chris Jordan, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley and either Tymal Mills or George Garton. Neither Mills or Garton has impressed so far, but both have the ability to make an impact.
Prediction
This match could go either way with the two sides having looked evenly matched so far in Bridgetown. But the West Indies do have the advantage of playing on home turf in front of a home crowd, which could prove decisive in a close contest. England are also short of a number of the experienced names they would usually be able to call upon. Expect a close contest, but for the hosts to have just about enough to get over the line and claim the series win.
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