Match Preview: 1st T20I - England v West Indies

England v West Indies

Date: 18 June 2019

The County Ground, Northampton

England are on the verge of breaking their longest spell of unbeaten games across all formats today. Having come back strong in their tour of India and then dominating series against Sir Lanka and West Indies. The change of format will suit the West Indies. They have been particularly poor in their last two visits to England. They are a good T20 side. Although without the services of Deandra Dottin that does make things slightly more difficult for the visitors.

Players to watch out for

Linsey Smith

Called up especially for this series Smith is an experienced T20 performer. Having been part of the England side that were runners up in the World T20 in the Caribbean last year. Smith is also a reliable performer in the Women's Cricket Super League so will not be fazed by playing at the international level.

Stafanie Taylor

One of the big hitters in the women’s game if Taylor is in the mood and gets going early on then there could be fireworks. There will be less pressure for her to perform in this series as nothing is expected of the West Indies side after the manner of defeat in the ODI series.

Conditions

The Northamptonshire men’s side have always been competitive in the T20 blast. That might be down to some players being able to hit the ball a long way. Northampton isn’t the biggest of grounds in England and with some players, in the two squads able to hit and time the ball we may be in for a lot of runs today.

Numbers to look out for

Natalie Sciver is three wickets away from taking 50 wickets for England in T20 internationals.

Of the 15 matches between the two sides, West Indies have won 8 games to England’s 6. The other game was tied.

Probable XI

England: Amy Jones, Danni Wyatt, Tammy Beaumont, Sarah Taylor (wk), Heather Knight (c), Nat Sciver, Anya Shrubsole, Sophie Ecclestone, Laura Marsh, Katherine Brunt, Linsey Smith.

West Indies: Kycia Knight (wk), Hayley Matthews, Stafanie Taylor (c), Natasha McLean, Shemaine Campbelle, Chedean Nation, Chinelle Henry, Afy Fletcher, Shakera Selman, Shamilia Connell, Karishma Ramharack.