Following a disappointing Ashes campaign Down Under, England are set to commence a month-long tour in the Caribbean Islands. The tour kicks off with a 5-match T20I series, most likely in anticipation of the T20 World Cup later in Australia this year. The first of those games will be played on at the Kensington Oval, Barbados; and will be the subject of this article, as we bring you our comprehensive analysis and pitch report for the Barbados T20.
Team Forms
Hosts West Indies wouldn’t be heading into this series in their most confident avatars. Just a week ago, they suffered a crushing 2-1 ODI series defeat against Ireland on their home turf. And while the format of that series may have been different; several of their key-players will be carrying over the scars from that ignominious loss.
Having said that, the men-in-maroon have several interesting names in their lineup, which should give them ample options to try out ahead of the World Cup. Shai Hope has a big opportunity to put his name in the ring as a top contender for the opener slot. He is most likely to be partnered by Brandon King at the top, with the likes of Roston Chase, Kyle Myers, and Nicholas Pooran following.
Captain Kieron Pollard and Jason Holder stand out as the most experienced and pedigreed stars in this depleted West Indies lineup. They will have to shore a good amount of the team’s bowling responsibilities between themselves. Fabian Allen and Akeal Hosein should give the hosts a potent spin-bowling attack, with Dominic Drakes and Romario Shepherd rounding off the lineup. Overall, the team is blessed with plenty of all-rounders, which should allow Pollard to throw a whole bunch of interesting tactics and combinations against his English rivals.
Meanwhile, England would be hoping a change in format brings some much-needed respite to their team and fans’ depleted morale. They certainly have the team to do so, packed with a solid number of white-ball match-winners. Jason Roy will have either of Tom Banton or James Vince to partner him up-top. Moeen Ali, in the absence of several test absentees, should get an opportunity at number 3. Captain Morgan should bat two-down, with Sam Billings (wk) and Liam Livingstone succeeding him.
Adil Rashid and Chris Jordan pick themselves as the most pedigreed bowlers in the team. They will be supported by the likes of Tymal Mills and Saqib Mahmood. The remaining spot in the team could be a toss-up between one of the several all-rounders England are carrying on this tour. Liam Dawson could feature on a spin-friendly surface; while either of George Garton or David Payne could play on seaming wickets.
Barbados Cricket StadiumT20 records
The surface at Barbados has traditionally been a low-scoring one, with the history slightly favored towards teams batting first. Pacers have a clear upper hand on this venue, with 8 of them featuring on the ground’s top 10 wicket-takers list.
| Total matches | 22 |
| Matches won batting first | 13 |
| Matches won bowling first | 8 |
| Average 1st Inns scores | 141 |
| Average 2nd Inns scores | 125 |
| Highest total recorded | 195/3 (20 Ov) by SL vs WI |
| Lowest total recorded | 80/10 (16 Ov) by AFG vs RSA |
| Highest score chased | 155/5 (18.5 Ov) by WI vs ENG |
| Lowest score defended | 133/7 (20 Ov) by NZ vs PAK |
Highest Individual Score: Mahela Jayawardene (Sri Lanka), 98* vs West Indies, 2010
Best Bowling Figures: Dirk Nannes (Australia), 4-0-18-4 vs Bangladesh, 2010
Kensington Oval, Bridgetown, Barbados Pitch report
Teams batting first have an advantage on this ground. As per our statistical analysis, teams with a first innings score of 166 and above have a greater likelihood of winning. The corresponding score for chasing is 150 and under. The dry and hard nature of this pitch makes the surface slower as the game progresses, which makes capable spinners a must-have for every lineup.
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Weather Report during WI vs ENG matches
The average temperature on the venue will be between 24-28 degree Celsius. With 20% chances of rain predicted, fans could be in for slight interruptions during the match.