That will be the end of the innings. England finish with 188 on the board. Though this is just the 5th international T20 game at this venue, itâs nonetheless the 2nd highest total score over here. All thanks to Jos Buttler, who scored a scintillating 96 with shots all over the park. He was at his innovative best, as he executed the scoops and reverse-scoops to perfection, making bowlerâs job tough.The in-form Ben Duckett was early to go, but that didnât hold England back as they scored 78
Jason Holder to Will Jacks, ! JACKS IS RUN OUT! A low full toss, around off, Jacks heaves it towards long on. He is always searching for two and Bethell responds pretty well. However, the fielder at long on, Andre Russell, goes for the tougher option and throws the ball to the keeper, Shai Hope. He collects and whips the bails off, celebrating immediately,. The run out appeal is referred upstairs and the first replay shows that Jacks is well short. ENGLAND FINISH ON 188/6!
Run out appeal! Drama on the last ball and to the naked eye, it does seem as if Jacks is short. Yes, the replay confirms it.
Jason Holder to Will Jacks, A good bumper, around off, Will Jacks looks to hook but misses.
Jason Holder to Jacob Bethell, A slower ball, on a length, outside off, Jacob Bethell slices it behind point for a run.
Jason Holder to Will Jacks, Jumps out of the crease and Holder pulls his length back. Jacks is cramped for room and mistimes his pull through mid on, for a single.
Jason Holder to Will Jacks, Slower ball, into the surface, swung towards long on for a couple. Holder is frustrated as that was not far from the fielder. Should not have been two.
Jason Holder to Will Jacks, EDGED, !
Jason Holder to close the innings out. 3-0-29-0 so far.
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, Another yorker, on middle, clipped through mid-wicket for a couple. 11 runs and a wicket from the over, Alzarri Joseph finishes with figures of 4-0-51-1.
Alzarri Joseph to Will Jacks, Around off, worked through mid-wicket for a single.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, ! LBW! Buttler has reviewed it but one feels he knows it is in vain. After a series of slow balls, Alzarri has been mixing it up nicely in this over. Bowls a quick delivery, landing it on a length outside off and makes it to skid through.
Will Jacks walks in next at number 7, replacing Jos Buttler.
Buttler on 96...
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, Terrific yorker, at the base of leg stump. Jacob Bethell watches it carefully and digs it out towards mid on, off balance, for a run.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, At the stumps now, worked wide of long on for a single. Moves to 96 (58).
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, ANOTHER WIDE. A touch harsh, perhaps? Jos moves across and Alzarri bowls it wider outside off. Buttler tries the reverse scoop but misses. The umpire has wided it but West Indies are not too happy.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, WIDE. Miles outside off, Buttler tries to reach out and carve it away but misses.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, EDGED, ! Pace on, for a change, full and wide outside off, Jos Buttler throws his bat at it and gets a healthy outside edge. But with deep third inside the circle, the edge flies past the fielder, to his left, into the deep third fence!
Alzarri Joseph to bowl the 19th over. 3-0-40-0 so far.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, Slower ball again, on a length, outside off, Jos Buttler cuts it to the left of short cover for one.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, 2 runs.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, Length ball, pace off, on off, Jos Buttler comes down the track, and looks to go aerial, but he mistimes it altogether as the ball hits the bottom off the bat and goes to the left of long off. The batters are quick to complete two runs.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, ! Skillful shot!
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, Jos Buttler jumps down the track but Shepherd spots him pretty early. Bowls a slower ball down the leg side and Buttler clips it through mid-wicket. Vacant spaces out there and an easy two results.
Romario Shepherd to Jacob Bethell, A full toss, around off, Jacob Bethell slaps it towards wide long off for a single.
Romario Shepherd to bowl out. 3-0-21-2 so far.
Jason Holder to Jos Buttler, Four!
Jason Holder to Jos Buttler, 2 runs.
Jason Holder to Jacob Bethell, 1 run.
Jason Holder to Jacob Bethell, A short ball, wide outside off, Jacob Bethell charges down the track and slashes hard but misses.
Jason Holder to Jos Buttler, Excellent bowling. Holder sees Buttler move across and bowls it wide outside off. Buttler can only push it towards long off for a single.
Jason Holder to Jos Buttler, A slower ball, on a length outside off, or so it seemed.
Jason Holder is back on. 2-0-21-0 so far.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, Length ball, angled in on leg stump, Jos Buttler looks to flick it and misses as the ball hits his back pad and goes into the leg side. Batters sneak in a leg bye.
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, Again the pace off delivery, on a length, outside off, Jacob Bethell cuts it behind square to the right of deep backward point for a single.
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, Fuller in length, Off cutter, well outside off, Jacob Bethell goes for the reverse scoop but doesn't get any bat on it.
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, And now, this one, which is actually wider than the previous one, is not wided! A toch short, wide outside off, Jacob stands in his crease and attempts a flat-footed cut but misses.
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, ANOTHER WIDE.
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, WIDE. Joseph tries to get the ball away from the hitting arc of Bethell, but gets it too wide outside off. Left alone.
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, ! Too straight and predictably, the cutter, short of a length, Bethell is expecting the length and pace, waiting for the ball to arrive. Picks the length, shuffles across and pull-helps it over backward square leg! His first boundary of the game.
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, A length ball, around off, Jacob Bethell steers it behind point for a couple.
Great comeback by West Indies. After conceding 78/1 in the Powerplay, they have picked up 3/58 in the 9 overs of the middle phase. Alzarri Joseph returns as England look to push on the accelerator again. 2-0-29-0 so far.
Romario Shepherd to Jacob Bethell, Full toss on middle, Jacob Bethell plays the flick towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
Romario Shepherd to Jacob Bethell, No run.
Romario Shepherd to Jacob Bethell, Romario Shepherd nails the yorker on off stump. Jacob Bethell digs it out as he pushes it back to the bowler.
Romario Shepherd to Jacob Bethell, The periscope! Smiles all around. Another slower-ball bumper, Jacob is caught in two minds, whether to play the pull or duck. Eventually, he does both, with his bat hanging in the air like a periscope. The ball hits the face of the bat and flies through mid-wicket. Shepherd himself runs to his left to stop the ball but still, the batters complete two runs!
Romario Shepherd to Jacob Bethell, No run.
Romario Shepherd to Jacob Bethell, An off cutter to begin. Short in length, around leg stump, Jacob Bethell swivels for the pull but does not quite get the pace of the delivery. Drags it through mid-wicket for a single.
Roston Chase to Jacob Bethell, Tossed up on middle, Jacob Bethell looks to flick it and is beaten by the spin and drift, as the ball drifts in and turns away to take the leading edge as it goes in the air just wide of the short cover. Single taken.
Romario Shepherd returns. 2-0-16-2 so far.
Roston Chase to Jacob Bethell, No run.
Roston Chase to Jos Buttler, A touch shorter on middle leg, Jos Buttler gently pushes it into the leg side where there's no short mid-wicket and hence the bowler goes running at it. Single taken.
Roston Chase to Jos Buttler, ! FETCH THAT! A boundary after 25 balls! Flighted, around leg stump, Jos Buttler backs away to the leg side, gets under the ball and swings it cleanly over long on for his 4th biggie! Moves to 72 (45).
Roston Chase to Jacob Bethell, Full, around off, Jacob Bethell leans and drives it towards long off for a run.
Roston Chase to Jos Buttler, A low full toss, from around the wicket, Jos Buttler whips it towards long on for a single.
Might see another bowling change. It is very rare that Andre Russell bowls back-to-back overs these days. And it will be Roston Chase to replace him. 1-0-9-1 so far.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Tossed up on off, Jos Buttler drives it off the front foot to long off for a single to keep the strike.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, 2 runs.
Gudakesh Motie to Jacob Bethell, From round the wicket to the left hander, shorter on middle, Jacob Bethell punches it off the back foot to the left of long on for a single.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, This time Buttler changes his shot and punches this down the ground towards long off for a single.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Similar ball, same shot, same result.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Bowled with a bit of a round arm, around leg stump, from around the wicket, Jos Buttler stays leg side of the ball and pushes it towards short extra cover.
Andre Russell to Jacob Bethell, Full on off, Jacob Bethell drives it off the front foot to mid off. No run.
Andre Russell to Jacob Bethell, Andre Russell welcomes Jacob Bethell with a short ball on off, as he bangs it into the surface. Jacob Bethell leaves it alone.
Jacob Bethell walks in next at number 6, replacing Tom Banton.
Andre Russell to Tom Banton, ! LBW! Appeal and given! Tom Banton reviews it straightaway!
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, On middle, pushed down to long on for one.
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, Oh dear. That could have been horrible. Excellent fielding in the end.
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, An off cutter, on a length, around leg stump, Jos Buttler charges down the track and swishes hard but misses. The ball just about misses leg stump.
Andre Russell is back on. 1-0-22-0 so far. One might wonder, why have the spin twins been separated but Shai Hope may not be wanting the batters to get used to one kind of pace.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, 1 run.
Gudakesh Motie to Tom Banton, Slower and shorter, turning away a little, outside off, Tom Banton flat bats it along the ground to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, A touch shorter and flatter on middle, Jos Buttler works it off the back foot to deep mid-wicket. Single taken.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Delivered with a bit of round-arm action, around middle and leg, Jos pushes it with soft hands through mid on, takes the fielders on and charges back for the second.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Full, around middle and leg, following the batter down the leg side, Buttler creams the drive but finds Andre Russell at extra cover.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, The arm ball, outside off, Jos Buttler goes back and punches it towards cover.
Roston Chase to Jos Buttler, Full and straight, 93 kph, Buttler works it towards deep mid-wicket for one more. 9 runs and a wicket from Chase's opener.
Roston Chase to Tom Banton, Quicker through the air, 94 kph, around middle, Banton pushes it through square leg and takes another single.
Roston Chase to Jos Buttler, Plenty of flight, around leg stump, nudged through mid-wicket for one more.
Roston Chase to Tom Banton, Down the leg side, Tom Banton works it through mid-wicket for a single.
Tom Banton walks in next at number 5, replacing his skipper, Harry Brook.
Roston Chase to Harry Brook, ! BOWLED! Well, Hosein may not be playing here but spin is still Brook's achilles heel! A bit of an overambitious shot. Chase spots Brook backing down the leg side and slows down the pace of the ball, giving it plenty of air, from around the wicket, around leg stump. Brook is a long way from the stumps, in an attempt to play the inside-out shot over cover but is beaten by the lack of pace. The ball goes on with the angle and hits the stumps. That's a giveaway
Roston Chase to Harry Brook, ! FEROCIOUS! Kevin Pietersen against Scott Styris, anyone? Full, from around the wicket, outside leg, Harry Brook brings out the reverse but does not quite change his grip. So cannot call it a switch hit. Slaps it well over cover for a boundary.
Roston Chase to Harry Brook, WIDE. 100 UP FOR ENGLAND. Fired down the leg side, left alone.
More spin. Roston Chase to bowl now.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Quicker through the air, 104 kph, a full toss outside off. Jos throws the kitchen sink at it but only manages a thick outside edge to short third. Is a bit frustrated with himself, is Buttler.
Gudakesh Motie to Harry Brook, Full and flighted, around off, Brook wrists it towards long on for one.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Slower ball, down the leg side, Jos Buttler nudges it towards short mid-wicket for a quick single.
Gudakesh Motie to Harry Brook, Around off, Harry Brook goes back and works it through mid-wicket for a run.
Gudakesh Motie to Harry Brook, Outside off, pushed towards cover.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Full, on middle, pushed down to long on for a single.
Skipper Harry Brook walks in next at number 4, replacing Jamie Smith.
Romario Shepherd to Jamie Smith, ! CAUGHT! Midas does it again for West Indies!
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, 27TH T20I 50 FOR JOS BUTTLER! It has come off just 25 balls. Barring the last few innings, Buttler had some tremendous form in the IPL and it has followed him back home. Gets there with a push through cover for a run.
Romario Shepherd to Jamie Smith, A slower ball, short in length, outside off, Jamie pulls it down to long on for one.
Romario Shepherd to Jamie Smith, ! Hit really hard! Plenty of width on the off side, short in length, Jamie Smith slaps a punch through the covers and despite a sweeper present, the ball races away!
Romario Shepherd to Jamie Smith, A short ball now, outside off, carved away through the covers for a couple.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, Slower ball, on a length outside off, 102 kph, Buttler walks down the track, getting across and works it through mid-wicket for a single.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, WIDE. A slower bumper, outside off, Jos Buttler leaps and looks to play the upper cut but misses. Wided for height.
Romario Shepherd returns. 1-0-6-1 so far.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Arrowed down the leg side, Buttler works it to deep mid-wicket for one more.
Gudakesh Motie to Jamie Smith, Flighted, around middle, 88 kph, Smith jumps down the track and eases this to long on for a run.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, 1 run.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Outside off, driven wide of Rovman Powell at wide long off, to his left, for a couple.
Gudakesh Motie to Jamie Smith, On middle and leg, worked through mid-wicket for a run. Moves to 30 (15).
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Full, on middle, drilled down to long on for a single.
Time for spin? Indeed. Here's Gudakesh Motie. A few more fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle now.
Alzarri Joseph to Jamie Smith, Follows the batter down the leg side and Jamie Smith tries to flick but gets nutmegged. The ball goes through to the keeper, 23 from the over and the Powerplay yields 78/1 for England!
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, Comes down the track and swings hard again. Is defeated by the change in pace and drags it through mid-wicket for a single.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, ! Even better! A full toss now, on middle, but Buttler repeats the previous ball's dose. Gets across, does not have to bend as much as the previous ball and scoops it all the way over fine leg! 22 from the over already and this stand is now worth 61 (26). And Buttler has scored 42 (18) of those!
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, ! Innovative! Full and straight, slower in pace, Jos Buttler gets across, is low and scoops it over short fine leg!
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, MORE! The ball keeps travelling and the 50-RUN STAND IS UP, IN 24 BALLS!
Will we expect another bowling change? Yes. Alzarri Joseph to bowl the final over of the Powerplay. 1-0-6-0 so far.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, ! CREAMED! A slower ball alright, but short in length. Jos Buttler charges down the track and swings it cleanly over wide mid on! The stand moves to 45 (23).
Andre Russell to Jamie Smith, !
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, 1 run.
Andre Russell to Jamie Smith, 1 run.
Andre Russell to Jamie Smith, Andre Russell nails the yorker and fires it on leg stump, Jamie Smith looks to flick it as the ball hits his pad and goes back towards the keeper.
Andre Russell to Jamie Smith, No ball and Six!
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, 3 runs.
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, ! Good ball, but what a terrific shot. Jos Buttler pre-meditates to play the reverse scoop and Andre Russell fires it full and straight. But Buttler picks the length and reverse scoops it over short third for a boundary!
Andre Russell to bowl the 5th over.
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, No run.
Jason Holder to Jos Buttler, 1 run.
Jason Holder to Jos Buttler, No run.
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, 1 run.
Jason Holder to Jos Buttler, Full and straight, Jos pushes it towards mid on for a quick run.
Jason Holder to Jos Buttler, WIDE. Little bit ot swing, but misdirected. Full and down the leg side to start, goes further away after pitching, beating Buttler's flick. Good take by the keeper, Shai Hope, diving to his left.
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, A short ball, outside off, Jamie Smith goes for the pull but ends up dragging it through mid-wicket for a single.
Change of ends for Jason Holder. 1-0-16-0 so far.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, Another good length ball on off, Jos Buttler lofts this one over short extra cover, and gets enough on it to clear the inner ring. The short cover fielder runs behind it and cuts it off. Batters complete two runs.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, Length ball, well outside off, Jos Buttler looks to pull it, but doesn't get any bat on it. Perhaps out of his reach and the ball wasn not short enough to pull either.
Alzarri Joseph to Jamie Smith, Full and wide outside off, Jamie Smith crouches a bit and reaches out for it, as he chips it just over short cover. He didn't middle that one, did Jamie Smith, but got enough on it to get it over short cover. Single taken.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, A short ball, outside off, good height, Jos leaps and plays a forehand tennis shot which lands just wide of mid on, to his right. A single taken.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, 2 runs.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, On a length, around off, Jos Buttler pushes it towards cover.
Alzarri Joseph to bowl now.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, Length ball outside off, width on offer, Jos Buttler cuts it square of the wicket, to deep point for a single to keep the strike. Decent start from Romario Shepherd. A wicket and 6 runs from that over.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, Length ball, with a hint of shape into the right hander, on middle off, Jos Buttler pushes it to mid off.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, ! Jos Buttler is off and running! Overpitched on middle, Jos Buttler tonks it over the bowler's head for a one bounce, boundary.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, Full and sliding well down leg, Jos Buttler looks to flick it fine, but doesn't get any bat on it. Wide given.
Romario Shepherd to Ben Duckett, ! CAUGHT! There goes the first one! Well, if his delivery to dismiss Shreyas Iyer in the 2025 IPL final was a great one, this is none less. Slower delivery, rolling his fingers over the ball, landing it on a fuller length on middle, Ben Duckett looks to flick but is early into the shot.
Jos Buttler walks in next at number 3, replacing Ben Duckett.
Romario Shepherd to Ben Duckett, Slower ball, outside off, on a length, Duckett hits it towards mid off.
Romario Shepherd to Ben Duckett, Full and wide outside off, Ben Duckett slaps it hard and hits it aerially. Lands just in front of Sherfane Rutherford at cover. Stings the fielder hard.
Spin or pace from the other end? The latter. Romario Shepherd to share the new ball with Holder.
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, ! Jamie Smith is on the charge!
Jason Holder to Ben Duckett, Length ball on middle, Ben Duckett works it along the ground to deep square leg for a single.
Jason Holder to Ben Duckett, A touch fuller, sliding down leg, Ben Duckett looks to tickle it fine but doesn't get any bat on it. A bit of an appeal from the keeper for caught behind, but the umpire is unmoved. Wide given. There was a sound as the ball went past Ben Duckett, and yes the ball did hit his pads as it went towards the keeper. But umpire didn't notice it.
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, Length ball, on middle, Jamie Smith flicks it along the ground to deep mid-wicket for a single.
It is a bit chilly out there. Ian Bishop on air informs us that with this strong wind, Akeal Hosein would have been more than a handful on the ground. Unfortunately, due to visa issues, the number 2 ranked bowler in T20Is is unavailable for this clash. Hopefully, he will be available for the next game. There has been a bit of a holdup as Holder is unhappy with the landing area. Has asked the umpire to get it repaired.
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, ! Up and over! Overpitched, on middle and leg, Jamie Smith just flicks this casually over mid-wicket and the ball lands just inside the ropes!
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, WIDE. Radar lost. Full and down the leg side, Smith gets down to sweep but misses.
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, ! Lovely shot.
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, Full, around middle and leg, Smith swings but misses and is hit on the pads.
Right then. All set for the T20I series to kick off. The West Indies disperse from their huddle and out walk the two English openers - Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett. Plenty of opening options - Jos Buttler, Tom Banton and Will Jacks are in the ranks as well. Jason Holder, playing his first international since February 2024, will take the new ball. Smith to face. Here we go!
Interesting combinations from both sides. England have packed their side with slow-bowling options, with Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts being the only two seamers. As far as the Windies are concerned, they just have the two spin options in Roston Chase and Gudakesh Motie but a plethora of seamers! Each its own, aye?
West Indies (Playing XI) - Johnson Charles, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope (C and WK), Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Andre Russell, Gudakesh Motie and Alzarri Joseph.
England (Playing XI) - Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett, Jos Buttler (WK), Harry Brook (C), Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Brydon Carse, Adil Rashid and Matthew Potts.
TOSS - Time for the flip of the coin. Harry Brook gives the coin a flip and it has come down in his favour. ENGLAND ELECT TO BAT.
That will be the end of the innings. England finish with 188 on the board. Though this is just the 5th international T20 game at this venue, itâs nonetheless the 2nd highest total score over here. All thanks to Jos Buttler, who scored a scintillating 96 with shots all over the park. He was at his innovative best, as he executed the scoops and reverse-scoops to perfection, making bowlerâs job tough.The in-form Ben Duckett was early to go, but that didnât hold England back as they scored 78
Jason Holder to Will Jacks, ! JACKS IS RUN OUT! A low full toss, around off, Jacks heaves it towards long on. He is always searching for two and Bethell responds pretty well. However, the fielder at long on, Andre Russell, goes for the tougher option and throws the ball to the keeper, Shai Hope. He collects and whips the bails off, celebrating immediately,. The run out appeal is referred upstairs and the first replay shows that Jacks is well short. ENGLAND FINISH ON 188/6!
Run out appeal! Drama on the last ball and to the naked eye, it does seem as if Jacks is short. Yes, the replay confirms it.
Jason Holder to Will Jacks, A good bumper, around off, Will Jacks looks to hook but misses.
Jason Holder to Jacob Bethell, A slower ball, on a length, outside off, Jacob Bethell slices it behind point for a run.
Jason Holder to Will Jacks, Jumps out of the crease and Holder pulls his length back. Jacks is cramped for room and mistimes his pull through mid on, for a single.
Jason Holder to Will Jacks, Slower ball, into the surface, swung towards long on for a couple. Holder is frustrated as that was not far from the fielder. Should not have been two.
Jason Holder to Will Jacks, EDGED, !
Jason Holder to close the innings out. 3-0-29-0 so far.
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, Another yorker, on middle, clipped through mid-wicket for a couple. 11 runs and a wicket from the over, Alzarri Joseph finishes with figures of 4-0-51-1.
Alzarri Joseph to Will Jacks, Around off, worked through mid-wicket for a single.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, ! LBW! Buttler has reviewed it but one feels he knows it is in vain. After a series of slow balls, Alzarri has been mixing it up nicely in this over. Bowls a quick delivery, landing it on a length outside off and makes it to skid through.
Will Jacks walks in next at number 7, replacing Jos Buttler.
Buttler on 96...
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, Terrific yorker, at the base of leg stump. Jacob Bethell watches it carefully and digs it out towards mid on, off balance, for a run.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, At the stumps now, worked wide of long on for a single. Moves to 96 (58).
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, ANOTHER WIDE. A touch harsh, perhaps? Jos moves across and Alzarri bowls it wider outside off. Buttler tries the reverse scoop but misses. The umpire has wided it but West Indies are not too happy.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, WIDE. Miles outside off, Buttler tries to reach out and carve it away but misses.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, EDGED, ! Pace on, for a change, full and wide outside off, Jos Buttler throws his bat at it and gets a healthy outside edge. But with deep third inside the circle, the edge flies past the fielder, to his left, into the deep third fence!
Alzarri Joseph to bowl the 19th over. 3-0-40-0 so far.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, Slower ball again, on a length, outside off, Jos Buttler cuts it to the left of short cover for one.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, 2 runs.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, Length ball, pace off, on off, Jos Buttler comes down the track, and looks to go aerial, but he mistimes it altogether as the ball hits the bottom off the bat and goes to the left of long off. The batters are quick to complete two runs.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, ! Skillful shot!
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, Jos Buttler jumps down the track but Shepherd spots him pretty early. Bowls a slower ball down the leg side and Buttler clips it through mid-wicket. Vacant spaces out there and an easy two results.
Romario Shepherd to Jacob Bethell, A full toss, around off, Jacob Bethell slaps it towards wide long off for a single.
Romario Shepherd to bowl out. 3-0-21-2 so far.
Jason Holder to Jos Buttler, Four!
Jason Holder to Jos Buttler, 2 runs.
Jason Holder to Jacob Bethell, 1 run.
Jason Holder to Jacob Bethell, A short ball, wide outside off, Jacob Bethell charges down the track and slashes hard but misses.
Jason Holder to Jos Buttler, Excellent bowling. Holder sees Buttler move across and bowls it wide outside off. Buttler can only push it towards long off for a single.
Jason Holder to Jos Buttler, A slower ball, on a length outside off, or so it seemed.
Jason Holder is back on. 2-0-21-0 so far.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, Length ball, angled in on leg stump, Jos Buttler looks to flick it and misses as the ball hits his back pad and goes into the leg side. Batters sneak in a leg bye.
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, Again the pace off delivery, on a length, outside off, Jacob Bethell cuts it behind square to the right of deep backward point for a single.
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, Fuller in length, Off cutter, well outside off, Jacob Bethell goes for the reverse scoop but doesn't get any bat on it.
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, And now, this one, which is actually wider than the previous one, is not wided! A toch short, wide outside off, Jacob stands in his crease and attempts a flat-footed cut but misses.
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, ANOTHER WIDE.
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, WIDE. Joseph tries to get the ball away from the hitting arc of Bethell, but gets it too wide outside off. Left alone.
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, ! Too straight and predictably, the cutter, short of a length, Bethell is expecting the length and pace, waiting for the ball to arrive. Picks the length, shuffles across and pull-helps it over backward square leg! His first boundary of the game.
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, A length ball, around off, Jacob Bethell steers it behind point for a couple.
Great comeback by West Indies. After conceding 78/1 in the Powerplay, they have picked up 3/58 in the 9 overs of the middle phase. Alzarri Joseph returns as England look to push on the accelerator again. 2-0-29-0 so far.
Romario Shepherd to Jacob Bethell, Full toss on middle, Jacob Bethell plays the flick towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
Romario Shepherd to Jacob Bethell, No run.
Romario Shepherd to Jacob Bethell, Romario Shepherd nails the yorker on off stump. Jacob Bethell digs it out as he pushes it back to the bowler.
Romario Shepherd to Jacob Bethell, The periscope! Smiles all around. Another slower-ball bumper, Jacob is caught in two minds, whether to play the pull or duck. Eventually, he does both, with his bat hanging in the air like a periscope. The ball hits the face of the bat and flies through mid-wicket. Shepherd himself runs to his left to stop the ball but still, the batters complete two runs!
Romario Shepherd to Jacob Bethell, No run.
Romario Shepherd to Jacob Bethell, An off cutter to begin. Short in length, around leg stump, Jacob Bethell swivels for the pull but does not quite get the pace of the delivery. Drags it through mid-wicket for a single.
Roston Chase to Jacob Bethell, Tossed up on middle, Jacob Bethell looks to flick it and is beaten by the spin and drift, as the ball drifts in and turns away to take the leading edge as it goes in the air just wide of the short cover. Single taken.
Romario Shepherd returns. 2-0-16-2 so far.
Roston Chase to Jacob Bethell, No run.
Roston Chase to Jos Buttler, A touch shorter on middle leg, Jos Buttler gently pushes it into the leg side where there's no short mid-wicket and hence the bowler goes running at it. Single taken.
Roston Chase to Jos Buttler, ! FETCH THAT! A boundary after 25 balls! Flighted, around leg stump, Jos Buttler backs away to the leg side, gets under the ball and swings it cleanly over long on for his 4th biggie! Moves to 72 (45).
Roston Chase to Jacob Bethell, Full, around off, Jacob Bethell leans and drives it towards long off for a run.
Roston Chase to Jos Buttler, A low full toss, from around the wicket, Jos Buttler whips it towards long on for a single.
Might see another bowling change. It is very rare that Andre Russell bowls back-to-back overs these days. And it will be Roston Chase to replace him. 1-0-9-1 so far.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Tossed up on off, Jos Buttler drives it off the front foot to long off for a single to keep the strike.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, 2 runs.
Gudakesh Motie to Jacob Bethell, From round the wicket to the left hander, shorter on middle, Jacob Bethell punches it off the back foot to the left of long on for a single.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, This time Buttler changes his shot and punches this down the ground towards long off for a single.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Similar ball, same shot, same result.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Bowled with a bit of a round arm, around leg stump, from around the wicket, Jos Buttler stays leg side of the ball and pushes it towards short extra cover.
Andre Russell to Jacob Bethell, Full on off, Jacob Bethell drives it off the front foot to mid off. No run.
Andre Russell to Jacob Bethell, Andre Russell welcomes Jacob Bethell with a short ball on off, as he bangs it into the surface. Jacob Bethell leaves it alone.
Jacob Bethell walks in next at number 6, replacing Tom Banton.
Andre Russell to Tom Banton, ! LBW! Appeal and given! Tom Banton reviews it straightaway!
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, On middle, pushed down to long on for one.
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, Oh dear. That could have been horrible. Excellent fielding in the end.
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, An off cutter, on a length, around leg stump, Jos Buttler charges down the track and swishes hard but misses. The ball just about misses leg stump.
Andre Russell is back on. 1-0-22-0 so far. One might wonder, why have the spin twins been separated but Shai Hope may not be wanting the batters to get used to one kind of pace.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, 1 run.
Gudakesh Motie to Tom Banton, Slower and shorter, turning away a little, outside off, Tom Banton flat bats it along the ground to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, A touch shorter and flatter on middle, Jos Buttler works it off the back foot to deep mid-wicket. Single taken.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Delivered with a bit of round-arm action, around middle and leg, Jos pushes it with soft hands through mid on, takes the fielders on and charges back for the second.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Full, around middle and leg, following the batter down the leg side, Buttler creams the drive but finds Andre Russell at extra cover.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, The arm ball, outside off, Jos Buttler goes back and punches it towards cover.
Roston Chase to Jos Buttler, Full and straight, 93 kph, Buttler works it towards deep mid-wicket for one more. 9 runs and a wicket from Chase's opener.
Roston Chase to Tom Banton, Quicker through the air, 94 kph, around middle, Banton pushes it through square leg and takes another single.
Roston Chase to Jos Buttler, Plenty of flight, around leg stump, nudged through mid-wicket for one more.
Roston Chase to Tom Banton, Down the leg side, Tom Banton works it through mid-wicket for a single.
Tom Banton walks in next at number 5, replacing his skipper, Harry Brook.
Roston Chase to Harry Brook, ! BOWLED! Well, Hosein may not be playing here but spin is still Brook's achilles heel! A bit of an overambitious shot. Chase spots Brook backing down the leg side and slows down the pace of the ball, giving it plenty of air, from around the wicket, around leg stump. Brook is a long way from the stumps, in an attempt to play the inside-out shot over cover but is beaten by the lack of pace. The ball goes on with the angle and hits the stumps. That's a giveaway
Roston Chase to Harry Brook, ! FEROCIOUS! Kevin Pietersen against Scott Styris, anyone? Full, from around the wicket, outside leg, Harry Brook brings out the reverse but does not quite change his grip. So cannot call it a switch hit. Slaps it well over cover for a boundary.
Roston Chase to Harry Brook, WIDE. 100 UP FOR ENGLAND. Fired down the leg side, left alone.
More spin. Roston Chase to bowl now.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Quicker through the air, 104 kph, a full toss outside off. Jos throws the kitchen sink at it but only manages a thick outside edge to short third. Is a bit frustrated with himself, is Buttler.
Gudakesh Motie to Harry Brook, Full and flighted, around off, Brook wrists it towards long on for one.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Slower ball, down the leg side, Jos Buttler nudges it towards short mid-wicket for a quick single.
Gudakesh Motie to Harry Brook, Around off, Harry Brook goes back and works it through mid-wicket for a run.
Gudakesh Motie to Harry Brook, Outside off, pushed towards cover.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Full, on middle, pushed down to long on for a single.
Skipper Harry Brook walks in next at number 4, replacing Jamie Smith.
Romario Shepherd to Jamie Smith, ! CAUGHT! Midas does it again for West Indies!
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, 27TH T20I 50 FOR JOS BUTTLER! It has come off just 25 balls. Barring the last few innings, Buttler had some tremendous form in the IPL and it has followed him back home. Gets there with a push through cover for a run.
Romario Shepherd to Jamie Smith, A slower ball, short in length, outside off, Jamie pulls it down to long on for one.
Romario Shepherd to Jamie Smith, ! Hit really hard! Plenty of width on the off side, short in length, Jamie Smith slaps a punch through the covers and despite a sweeper present, the ball races away!
Romario Shepherd to Jamie Smith, A short ball now, outside off, carved away through the covers for a couple.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, Slower ball, on a length outside off, 102 kph, Buttler walks down the track, getting across and works it through mid-wicket for a single.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, WIDE. A slower bumper, outside off, Jos Buttler leaps and looks to play the upper cut but misses. Wided for height.
Romario Shepherd returns. 1-0-6-1 so far.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Arrowed down the leg side, Buttler works it to deep mid-wicket for one more.
Gudakesh Motie to Jamie Smith, Flighted, around middle, 88 kph, Smith jumps down the track and eases this to long on for a run.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, 1 run.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Outside off, driven wide of Rovman Powell at wide long off, to his left, for a couple.
Gudakesh Motie to Jamie Smith, On middle and leg, worked through mid-wicket for a run. Moves to 30 (15).
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Full, on middle, drilled down to long on for a single.
Time for spin? Indeed. Here's Gudakesh Motie. A few more fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle now.
Alzarri Joseph to Jamie Smith, Follows the batter down the leg side and Jamie Smith tries to flick but gets nutmegged. The ball goes through to the keeper, 23 from the over and the Powerplay yields 78/1 for England!
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, Comes down the track and swings hard again. Is defeated by the change in pace and drags it through mid-wicket for a single.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, ! Even better! A full toss now, on middle, but Buttler repeats the previous ball's dose. Gets across, does not have to bend as much as the previous ball and scoops it all the way over fine leg! 22 from the over already and this stand is now worth 61 (26). And Buttler has scored 42 (18) of those!
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, ! Innovative! Full and straight, slower in pace, Jos Buttler gets across, is low and scoops it over short fine leg!
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, MORE! The ball keeps travelling and the 50-RUN STAND IS UP, IN 24 BALLS!
Will we expect another bowling change? Yes. Alzarri Joseph to bowl the final over of the Powerplay. 1-0-6-0 so far.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, ! CREAMED! A slower ball alright, but short in length. Jos Buttler charges down the track and swings it cleanly over wide mid on! The stand moves to 45 (23).
Andre Russell to Jamie Smith, !
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, 1 run.
Andre Russell to Jamie Smith, 1 run.
Andre Russell to Jamie Smith, Andre Russell nails the yorker and fires it on leg stump, Jamie Smith looks to flick it as the ball hits his pad and goes back towards the keeper.
Andre Russell to Jamie Smith, No ball and Six!
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, 3 runs.
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, ! Good ball, but what a terrific shot. Jos Buttler pre-meditates to play the reverse scoop and Andre Russell fires it full and straight. But Buttler picks the length and reverse scoops it over short third for a boundary!
Andre Russell to bowl the 5th over.
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, No run.
Jason Holder to Jos Buttler, 1 run.
Jason Holder to Jos Buttler, No run.
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, 1 run.
Jason Holder to Jos Buttler, Full and straight, Jos pushes it towards mid on for a quick run.
Jason Holder to Jos Buttler, WIDE. Little bit ot swing, but misdirected. Full and down the leg side to start, goes further away after pitching, beating Buttler's flick. Good take by the keeper, Shai Hope, diving to his left.
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, A short ball, outside off, Jamie Smith goes for the pull but ends up dragging it through mid-wicket for a single.
Change of ends for Jason Holder. 1-0-16-0 so far.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, Another good length ball on off, Jos Buttler lofts this one over short extra cover, and gets enough on it to clear the inner ring. The short cover fielder runs behind it and cuts it off. Batters complete two runs.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, Length ball, well outside off, Jos Buttler looks to pull it, but doesn't get any bat on it. Perhaps out of his reach and the ball wasn not short enough to pull either.
Alzarri Joseph to Jamie Smith, Full and wide outside off, Jamie Smith crouches a bit and reaches out for it, as he chips it just over short cover. He didn't middle that one, did Jamie Smith, but got enough on it to get it over short cover. Single taken.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, A short ball, outside off, good height, Jos leaps and plays a forehand tennis shot which lands just wide of mid on, to his right. A single taken.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, 2 runs.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, On a length, around off, Jos Buttler pushes it towards cover.
Alzarri Joseph to bowl now.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, Length ball outside off, width on offer, Jos Buttler cuts it square of the wicket, to deep point for a single to keep the strike. Decent start from Romario Shepherd. A wicket and 6 runs from that over.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, Length ball, with a hint of shape into the right hander, on middle off, Jos Buttler pushes it to mid off.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, ! Jos Buttler is off and running! Overpitched on middle, Jos Buttler tonks it over the bowler's head for a one bounce, boundary.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, Full and sliding well down leg, Jos Buttler looks to flick it fine, but doesn't get any bat on it. Wide given.
Romario Shepherd to Ben Duckett, ! CAUGHT! There goes the first one! Well, if his delivery to dismiss Shreyas Iyer in the 2025 IPL final was a great one, this is none less. Slower delivery, rolling his fingers over the ball, landing it on a fuller length on middle, Ben Duckett looks to flick but is early into the shot.
Jos Buttler walks in next at number 3, replacing Ben Duckett.
Romario Shepherd to Ben Duckett, Slower ball, outside off, on a length, Duckett hits it towards mid off.
Romario Shepherd to Ben Duckett, Full and wide outside off, Ben Duckett slaps it hard and hits it aerially. Lands just in front of Sherfane Rutherford at cover. Stings the fielder hard.
Spin or pace from the other end? The latter. Romario Shepherd to share the new ball with Holder.
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, ! Jamie Smith is on the charge!
Jason Holder to Ben Duckett, Length ball on middle, Ben Duckett works it along the ground to deep square leg for a single.
Jason Holder to Ben Duckett, A touch fuller, sliding down leg, Ben Duckett looks to tickle it fine but doesn't get any bat on it. A bit of an appeal from the keeper for caught behind, but the umpire is unmoved. Wide given. There was a sound as the ball went past Ben Duckett, and yes the ball did hit his pads as it went towards the keeper. But umpire didn't notice it.
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, Length ball, on middle, Jamie Smith flicks it along the ground to deep mid-wicket for a single.
It is a bit chilly out there. Ian Bishop on air informs us that with this strong wind, Akeal Hosein would have been more than a handful on the ground. Unfortunately, due to visa issues, the number 2 ranked bowler in T20Is is unavailable for this clash. Hopefully, he will be available for the next game. There has been a bit of a holdup as Holder is unhappy with the landing area. Has asked the umpire to get it repaired.
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, ! Up and over! Overpitched, on middle and leg, Jamie Smith just flicks this casually over mid-wicket and the ball lands just inside the ropes!
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, WIDE. Radar lost. Full and down the leg side, Smith gets down to sweep but misses.
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, ! Lovely shot.
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, Full, around middle and leg, Smith swings but misses and is hit on the pads.
Right then. All set for the T20I series to kick off. The West Indies disperse from their huddle and out walk the two English openers - Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett. Plenty of opening options - Jos Buttler, Tom Banton and Will Jacks are in the ranks as well. Jason Holder, playing his first international since February 2024, will take the new ball. Smith to face. Here we go!
Interesting combinations from both sides. England have packed their side with slow-bowling options, with Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts being the only two seamers. As far as the Windies are concerned, they just have the two spin options in Roston Chase and Gudakesh Motie but a plethora of seamers! Each its own, aye?
West Indies (Playing XI) - Johnson Charles, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope (C and WK), Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Andre Russell, Gudakesh Motie and Alzarri Joseph.
England (Playing XI) - Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett, Jos Buttler (WK), Harry Brook (C), Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Brydon Carse, Adil Rashid and Matthew Potts.
TOSS - Time for the flip of the coin. Harry Brook gives the coin a flip and it has come down in his favour. ENGLAND ELECT TO BAT.
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West Indies
167/9(20 Overs)
That will be the end of the innings. England finish with 188 on the board. Though this is just the 5th international T20 game at this venue, itâs nonetheless the 2nd highest total score over here. All thanks to Jos Buttler, who scored a scintillating 96 with shots all over the park. He was at his innovative best, as he executed the scoops and reverse-scoops to perfection, making bowlerâs job tough.The in-form Ben Duckett was early to go, but that didnât hold England back as they scored 78
Jason Holder to Will Jacks, ! JACKS IS RUN OUT! A low full toss, around off, Jacks heaves it towards long on. He is always searching for two and Bethell responds pretty well. However, the fielder at long on, Andre Russell, goes for the tougher option and throws the ball to the keeper, Shai Hope. He collects and whips the bails off, celebrating immediately,. The run out appeal is referred upstairs and the first replay shows that Jacks is well short. ENGLAND FINISH ON 188/6!
Run out appeal! Drama on the last ball and to the naked eye, it does seem as if Jacks is short. Yes, the replay confirms it.
Jason Holder to Will Jacks, A good bumper, around off, Will Jacks looks to hook but misses.
Jason Holder to Jacob Bethell, A slower ball, on a length, outside off, Jacob Bethell slices it behind point for a run.
Jason Holder to Will Jacks, Jumps out of the crease and Holder pulls his length back. Jacks is cramped for room and mistimes his pull through mid on, for a single.
Jason Holder to Will Jacks, Slower ball, into the surface, swung towards long on for a couple. Holder is frustrated as that was not far from the fielder. Should not have been two.
Jason Holder to Will Jacks, EDGED, !
Jason Holder to close the innings out. 3-0-29-0 so far.
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, Another yorker, on middle, clipped through mid-wicket for a couple. 11 runs and a wicket from the over, Alzarri Joseph finishes with figures of 4-0-51-1.
Alzarri Joseph to Will Jacks, Around off, worked through mid-wicket for a single.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, ! LBW! Buttler has reviewed it but one feels he knows it is in vain. After a series of slow balls, Alzarri has been mixing it up nicely in this over. Bowls a quick delivery, landing it on a length outside off and makes it to skid through.
Will Jacks walks in next at number 7, replacing Jos Buttler.
Buttler on 96...
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, Terrific yorker, at the base of leg stump. Jacob Bethell watches it carefully and digs it out towards mid on, off balance, for a run.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, At the stumps now, worked wide of long on for a single. Moves to 96 (58).
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, ANOTHER WIDE. A touch harsh, perhaps? Jos moves across and Alzarri bowls it wider outside off. Buttler tries the reverse scoop but misses. The umpire has wided it but West Indies are not too happy.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, WIDE. Miles outside off, Buttler tries to reach out and carve it away but misses.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, EDGED, ! Pace on, for a change, full and wide outside off, Jos Buttler throws his bat at it and gets a healthy outside edge. But with deep third inside the circle, the edge flies past the fielder, to his left, into the deep third fence!
Alzarri Joseph to bowl the 19th over. 3-0-40-0 so far.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, Slower ball again, on a length, outside off, Jos Buttler cuts it to the left of short cover for one.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, 2 runs.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, Length ball, pace off, on off, Jos Buttler comes down the track, and looks to go aerial, but he mistimes it altogether as the ball hits the bottom off the bat and goes to the left of long off. The batters are quick to complete two runs.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, ! Skillful shot!
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, Jos Buttler jumps down the track but Shepherd spots him pretty early. Bowls a slower ball down the leg side and Buttler clips it through mid-wicket. Vacant spaces out there and an easy two results.
Romario Shepherd to Jacob Bethell, A full toss, around off, Jacob Bethell slaps it towards wide long off for a single.
Romario Shepherd to bowl out. 3-0-21-2 so far.
Jason Holder to Jos Buttler, Four!
Jason Holder to Jos Buttler, 2 runs.
Jason Holder to Jacob Bethell, 1 run.
Jason Holder to Jacob Bethell, A short ball, wide outside off, Jacob Bethell charges down the track and slashes hard but misses.
Jason Holder to Jos Buttler, Excellent bowling. Holder sees Buttler move across and bowls it wide outside off. Buttler can only push it towards long off for a single.
Jason Holder to Jos Buttler, A slower ball, on a length outside off, or so it seemed.
Jason Holder is back on. 2-0-21-0 so far.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, Length ball, angled in on leg stump, Jos Buttler looks to flick it and misses as the ball hits his back pad and goes into the leg side. Batters sneak in a leg bye.
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, Again the pace off delivery, on a length, outside off, Jacob Bethell cuts it behind square to the right of deep backward point for a single.
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, Fuller in length, Off cutter, well outside off, Jacob Bethell goes for the reverse scoop but doesn't get any bat on it.
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, And now, this one, which is actually wider than the previous one, is not wided! A toch short, wide outside off, Jacob stands in his crease and attempts a flat-footed cut but misses.
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, ANOTHER WIDE.
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, WIDE. Joseph tries to get the ball away from the hitting arc of Bethell, but gets it too wide outside off. Left alone.
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, ! Too straight and predictably, the cutter, short of a length, Bethell is expecting the length and pace, waiting for the ball to arrive. Picks the length, shuffles across and pull-helps it over backward square leg! His first boundary of the game.
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, A length ball, around off, Jacob Bethell steers it behind point for a couple.
Great comeback by West Indies. After conceding 78/1 in the Powerplay, they have picked up 3/58 in the 9 overs of the middle phase. Alzarri Joseph returns as England look to push on the accelerator again. 2-0-29-0 so far.
Romario Shepherd to Jacob Bethell, Full toss on middle, Jacob Bethell plays the flick towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
Romario Shepherd to Jacob Bethell, No run.
Romario Shepherd to Jacob Bethell, Romario Shepherd nails the yorker on off stump. Jacob Bethell digs it out as he pushes it back to the bowler.
Romario Shepherd to Jacob Bethell, The periscope! Smiles all around. Another slower-ball bumper, Jacob is caught in two minds, whether to play the pull or duck. Eventually, he does both, with his bat hanging in the air like a periscope. The ball hits the face of the bat and flies through mid-wicket. Shepherd himself runs to his left to stop the ball but still, the batters complete two runs!
Romario Shepherd to Jacob Bethell, No run.
Romario Shepherd to Jacob Bethell, An off cutter to begin. Short in length, around leg stump, Jacob Bethell swivels for the pull but does not quite get the pace of the delivery. Drags it through mid-wicket for a single.
Roston Chase to Jacob Bethell, Tossed up on middle, Jacob Bethell looks to flick it and is beaten by the spin and drift, as the ball drifts in and turns away to take the leading edge as it goes in the air just wide of the short cover. Single taken.
Romario Shepherd returns. 2-0-16-2 so far.
Roston Chase to Jacob Bethell, No run.
Roston Chase to Jos Buttler, A touch shorter on middle leg, Jos Buttler gently pushes it into the leg side where there's no short mid-wicket and hence the bowler goes running at it. Single taken.
Roston Chase to Jos Buttler, ! FETCH THAT! A boundary after 25 balls! Flighted, around leg stump, Jos Buttler backs away to the leg side, gets under the ball and swings it cleanly over long on for his 4th biggie! Moves to 72 (45).
Roston Chase to Jacob Bethell, Full, around off, Jacob Bethell leans and drives it towards long off for a run.
Roston Chase to Jos Buttler, A low full toss, from around the wicket, Jos Buttler whips it towards long on for a single.
Might see another bowling change. It is very rare that Andre Russell bowls back-to-back overs these days. And it will be Roston Chase to replace him. 1-0-9-1 so far.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Tossed up on off, Jos Buttler drives it off the front foot to long off for a single to keep the strike.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, 2 runs.
Gudakesh Motie to Jacob Bethell, From round the wicket to the left hander, shorter on middle, Jacob Bethell punches it off the back foot to the left of long on for a single.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, This time Buttler changes his shot and punches this down the ground towards long off for a single.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Similar ball, same shot, same result.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Bowled with a bit of a round arm, around leg stump, from around the wicket, Jos Buttler stays leg side of the ball and pushes it towards short extra cover.
Andre Russell to Jacob Bethell, Full on off, Jacob Bethell drives it off the front foot to mid off. No run.
Andre Russell to Jacob Bethell, Andre Russell welcomes Jacob Bethell with a short ball on off, as he bangs it into the surface. Jacob Bethell leaves it alone.
Jacob Bethell walks in next at number 6, replacing Tom Banton.
Andre Russell to Tom Banton, ! LBW! Appeal and given! Tom Banton reviews it straightaway!
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, On middle, pushed down to long on for one.
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, Oh dear. That could have been horrible. Excellent fielding in the end.
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, An off cutter, on a length, around leg stump, Jos Buttler charges down the track and swishes hard but misses. The ball just about misses leg stump.
Andre Russell is back on. 1-0-22-0 so far. One might wonder, why have the spin twins been separated but Shai Hope may not be wanting the batters to get used to one kind of pace.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, 1 run.
Gudakesh Motie to Tom Banton, Slower and shorter, turning away a little, outside off, Tom Banton flat bats it along the ground to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, A touch shorter and flatter on middle, Jos Buttler works it off the back foot to deep mid-wicket. Single taken.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Delivered with a bit of round-arm action, around middle and leg, Jos pushes it with soft hands through mid on, takes the fielders on and charges back for the second.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Full, around middle and leg, following the batter down the leg side, Buttler creams the drive but finds Andre Russell at extra cover.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, The arm ball, outside off, Jos Buttler goes back and punches it towards cover.
Roston Chase to Jos Buttler, Full and straight, 93 kph, Buttler works it towards deep mid-wicket for one more. 9 runs and a wicket from Chase's opener.
Roston Chase to Tom Banton, Quicker through the air, 94 kph, around middle, Banton pushes it through square leg and takes another single.
Roston Chase to Jos Buttler, Plenty of flight, around leg stump, nudged through mid-wicket for one more.
Roston Chase to Tom Banton, Down the leg side, Tom Banton works it through mid-wicket for a single.
Tom Banton walks in next at number 5, replacing his skipper, Harry Brook.
Roston Chase to Harry Brook, ! BOWLED! Well, Hosein may not be playing here but spin is still Brook's achilles heel! A bit of an overambitious shot. Chase spots Brook backing down the leg side and slows down the pace of the ball, giving it plenty of air, from around the wicket, around leg stump. Brook is a long way from the stumps, in an attempt to play the inside-out shot over cover but is beaten by the lack of pace. The ball goes on with the angle and hits the stumps. That's a giveaway
Roston Chase to Harry Brook, ! FEROCIOUS! Kevin Pietersen against Scott Styris, anyone? Full, from around the wicket, outside leg, Harry Brook brings out the reverse but does not quite change his grip. So cannot call it a switch hit. Slaps it well over cover for a boundary.
Roston Chase to Harry Brook, WIDE. 100 UP FOR ENGLAND. Fired down the leg side, left alone.
More spin. Roston Chase to bowl now.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Quicker through the air, 104 kph, a full toss outside off. Jos throws the kitchen sink at it but only manages a thick outside edge to short third. Is a bit frustrated with himself, is Buttler.
Gudakesh Motie to Harry Brook, Full and flighted, around off, Brook wrists it towards long on for one.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Slower ball, down the leg side, Jos Buttler nudges it towards short mid-wicket for a quick single.
Gudakesh Motie to Harry Brook, Around off, Harry Brook goes back and works it through mid-wicket for a run.
Gudakesh Motie to Harry Brook, Outside off, pushed towards cover.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Full, on middle, pushed down to long on for a single.
Skipper Harry Brook walks in next at number 4, replacing Jamie Smith.
Romario Shepherd to Jamie Smith, ! CAUGHT! Midas does it again for West Indies!
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, 27TH T20I 50 FOR JOS BUTTLER! It has come off just 25 balls. Barring the last few innings, Buttler had some tremendous form in the IPL and it has followed him back home. Gets there with a push through cover for a run.
Romario Shepherd to Jamie Smith, A slower ball, short in length, outside off, Jamie pulls it down to long on for one.
Romario Shepherd to Jamie Smith, ! Hit really hard! Plenty of width on the off side, short in length, Jamie Smith slaps a punch through the covers and despite a sweeper present, the ball races away!
Romario Shepherd to Jamie Smith, A short ball now, outside off, carved away through the covers for a couple.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, Slower ball, on a length outside off, 102 kph, Buttler walks down the track, getting across and works it through mid-wicket for a single.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, WIDE. A slower bumper, outside off, Jos Buttler leaps and looks to play the upper cut but misses. Wided for height.
Romario Shepherd returns. 1-0-6-1 so far.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Arrowed down the leg side, Buttler works it to deep mid-wicket for one more.
Gudakesh Motie to Jamie Smith, Flighted, around middle, 88 kph, Smith jumps down the track and eases this to long on for a run.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, 1 run.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Outside off, driven wide of Rovman Powell at wide long off, to his left, for a couple.
Gudakesh Motie to Jamie Smith, On middle and leg, worked through mid-wicket for a run. Moves to 30 (15).
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Full, on middle, drilled down to long on for a single.
Time for spin? Indeed. Here's Gudakesh Motie. A few more fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle now.
Alzarri Joseph to Jamie Smith, Follows the batter down the leg side and Jamie Smith tries to flick but gets nutmegged. The ball goes through to the keeper, 23 from the over and the Powerplay yields 78/1 for England!
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, Comes down the track and swings hard again. Is defeated by the change in pace and drags it through mid-wicket for a single.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, ! Even better! A full toss now, on middle, but Buttler repeats the previous ball's dose. Gets across, does not have to bend as much as the previous ball and scoops it all the way over fine leg! 22 from the over already and this stand is now worth 61 (26). And Buttler has scored 42 (18) of those!
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, ! Innovative! Full and straight, slower in pace, Jos Buttler gets across, is low and scoops it over short fine leg!
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, MORE! The ball keeps travelling and the 50-RUN STAND IS UP, IN 24 BALLS!
Will we expect another bowling change? Yes. Alzarri Joseph to bowl the final over of the Powerplay. 1-0-6-0 so far.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, ! CREAMED! A slower ball alright, but short in length. Jos Buttler charges down the track and swings it cleanly over wide mid on! The stand moves to 45 (23).
Andre Russell to Jamie Smith, !
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, 1 run.
Andre Russell to Jamie Smith, 1 run.
Andre Russell to Jamie Smith, Andre Russell nails the yorker and fires it on leg stump, Jamie Smith looks to flick it as the ball hits his pad and goes back towards the keeper.
Andre Russell to Jamie Smith, No ball and Six!
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, 3 runs.
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, ! Good ball, but what a terrific shot. Jos Buttler pre-meditates to play the reverse scoop and Andre Russell fires it full and straight. But Buttler picks the length and reverse scoops it over short third for a boundary!
Andre Russell to bowl the 5th over.
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, No run.
Jason Holder to Jos Buttler, 1 run.
Jason Holder to Jos Buttler, No run.
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, 1 run.
Jason Holder to Jos Buttler, Full and straight, Jos pushes it towards mid on for a quick run.
Jason Holder to Jos Buttler, WIDE. Little bit ot swing, but misdirected. Full and down the leg side to start, goes further away after pitching, beating Buttler's flick. Good take by the keeper, Shai Hope, diving to his left.
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, A short ball, outside off, Jamie Smith goes for the pull but ends up dragging it through mid-wicket for a single.
Change of ends for Jason Holder. 1-0-16-0 so far.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, Another good length ball on off, Jos Buttler lofts this one over short extra cover, and gets enough on it to clear the inner ring. The short cover fielder runs behind it and cuts it off. Batters complete two runs.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, Length ball, well outside off, Jos Buttler looks to pull it, but doesn't get any bat on it. Perhaps out of his reach and the ball wasn not short enough to pull either.
Alzarri Joseph to Jamie Smith, Full and wide outside off, Jamie Smith crouches a bit and reaches out for it, as he chips it just over short cover. He didn't middle that one, did Jamie Smith, but got enough on it to get it over short cover. Single taken.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, A short ball, outside off, good height, Jos leaps and plays a forehand tennis shot which lands just wide of mid on, to his right. A single taken.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, 2 runs.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, On a length, around off, Jos Buttler pushes it towards cover.
Alzarri Joseph to bowl now.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, Length ball outside off, width on offer, Jos Buttler cuts it square of the wicket, to deep point for a single to keep the strike. Decent start from Romario Shepherd. A wicket and 6 runs from that over.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, Length ball, with a hint of shape into the right hander, on middle off, Jos Buttler pushes it to mid off.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, ! Jos Buttler is off and running! Overpitched on middle, Jos Buttler tonks it over the bowler's head for a one bounce, boundary.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, Full and sliding well down leg, Jos Buttler looks to flick it fine, but doesn't get any bat on it. Wide given.
Romario Shepherd to Ben Duckett, ! CAUGHT! There goes the first one! Well, if his delivery to dismiss Shreyas Iyer in the 2025 IPL final was a great one, this is none less. Slower delivery, rolling his fingers over the ball, landing it on a fuller length on middle, Ben Duckett looks to flick but is early into the shot.
Jos Buttler walks in next at number 3, replacing Ben Duckett.
Romario Shepherd to Ben Duckett, Slower ball, outside off, on a length, Duckett hits it towards mid off.
Romario Shepherd to Ben Duckett, Full and wide outside off, Ben Duckett slaps it hard and hits it aerially. Lands just in front of Sherfane Rutherford at cover. Stings the fielder hard.
Spin or pace from the other end? The latter. Romario Shepherd to share the new ball with Holder.
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, ! Jamie Smith is on the charge!
Jason Holder to Ben Duckett, Length ball on middle, Ben Duckett works it along the ground to deep square leg for a single.
Jason Holder to Ben Duckett, A touch fuller, sliding down leg, Ben Duckett looks to tickle it fine but doesn't get any bat on it. A bit of an appeal from the keeper for caught behind, but the umpire is unmoved. Wide given. There was a sound as the ball went past Ben Duckett, and yes the ball did hit his pads as it went towards the keeper. But umpire didn't notice it.
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, Length ball, on middle, Jamie Smith flicks it along the ground to deep mid-wicket for a single.
It is a bit chilly out there. Ian Bishop on air informs us that with this strong wind, Akeal Hosein would have been more than a handful on the ground. Unfortunately, due to visa issues, the number 2 ranked bowler in T20Is is unavailable for this clash. Hopefully, he will be available for the next game. There has been a bit of a holdup as Holder is unhappy with the landing area. Has asked the umpire to get it repaired.
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, ! Up and over! Overpitched, on middle and leg, Jamie Smith just flicks this casually over mid-wicket and the ball lands just inside the ropes!
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, WIDE. Radar lost. Full and down the leg side, Smith gets down to sweep but misses.
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, ! Lovely shot.
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, Full, around middle and leg, Smith swings but misses and is hit on the pads.
Right then. All set for the T20I series to kick off. The West Indies disperse from their huddle and out walk the two English openers - Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett. Plenty of opening options - Jos Buttler, Tom Banton and Will Jacks are in the ranks as well. Jason Holder, playing his first international since February 2024, will take the new ball. Smith to face. Here we go!
Interesting combinations from both sides. England have packed their side with slow-bowling options, with Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts being the only two seamers. As far as the Windies are concerned, they just have the two spin options in Roston Chase and Gudakesh Motie but a plethora of seamers! Each its own, aye?
West Indies (Playing XI) - Johnson Charles, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope (C and WK), Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Andre Russell, Gudakesh Motie and Alzarri Joseph.
England (Playing XI) - Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett, Jos Buttler (WK), Harry Brook (C), Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Brydon Carse, Adil Rashid and Matthew Potts.
TOSS - Time for the flip of the coin. Harry Brook gives the coin a flip and it has come down in his favour. ENGLAND ELECT TO BAT.
That will be the end of the innings. England finish with 188 on the board. Though this is just the 5th international T20 game at this venue, itâs nonetheless the 2nd highest total score over here. All thanks to Jos Buttler, who scored a scintillating 96 with shots all over the park. He was at his innovative best, as he executed the scoops and reverse-scoops to perfection, making bowlerâs job tough.The in-form Ben Duckett was early to go, but that didnât hold England back as they scored 78
Jason Holder to Will Jacks, ! JACKS IS RUN OUT! A low full toss, around off, Jacks heaves it towards long on. He is always searching for two and Bethell responds pretty well. However, the fielder at long on, Andre Russell, goes for the tougher option and throws the ball to the keeper, Shai Hope. He collects and whips the bails off, celebrating immediately,. The run out appeal is referred upstairs and the first replay shows that Jacks is well short. ENGLAND FINISH ON 188/6!
Run out appeal! Drama on the last ball and to the naked eye, it does seem as if Jacks is short. Yes, the replay confirms it.
Jason Holder to Will Jacks, A good bumper, around off, Will Jacks looks to hook but misses.
Jason Holder to Jacob Bethell, A slower ball, on a length, outside off, Jacob Bethell slices it behind point for a run.
Jason Holder to Will Jacks, Jumps out of the crease and Holder pulls his length back. Jacks is cramped for room and mistimes his pull through mid on, for a single.
Jason Holder to Will Jacks, Slower ball, into the surface, swung towards long on for a couple. Holder is frustrated as that was not far from the fielder. Should not have been two.
Jason Holder to Will Jacks, EDGED, !
Jason Holder to close the innings out. 3-0-29-0 so far.
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, Another yorker, on middle, clipped through mid-wicket for a couple. 11 runs and a wicket from the over, Alzarri Joseph finishes with figures of 4-0-51-1.
Alzarri Joseph to Will Jacks, Around off, worked through mid-wicket for a single.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, ! LBW! Buttler has reviewed it but one feels he knows it is in vain. After a series of slow balls, Alzarri has been mixing it up nicely in this over. Bowls a quick delivery, landing it on a length outside off and makes it to skid through.
Will Jacks walks in next at number 7, replacing Jos Buttler.
Buttler on 96...
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, Terrific yorker, at the base of leg stump. Jacob Bethell watches it carefully and digs it out towards mid on, off balance, for a run.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, At the stumps now, worked wide of long on for a single. Moves to 96 (58).
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, ANOTHER WIDE. A touch harsh, perhaps? Jos moves across and Alzarri bowls it wider outside off. Buttler tries the reverse scoop but misses. The umpire has wided it but West Indies are not too happy.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, WIDE. Miles outside off, Buttler tries to reach out and carve it away but misses.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, EDGED, ! Pace on, for a change, full and wide outside off, Jos Buttler throws his bat at it and gets a healthy outside edge. But with deep third inside the circle, the edge flies past the fielder, to his left, into the deep third fence!
Alzarri Joseph to bowl the 19th over. 3-0-40-0 so far.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, Slower ball again, on a length, outside off, Jos Buttler cuts it to the left of short cover for one.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, 2 runs.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, Length ball, pace off, on off, Jos Buttler comes down the track, and looks to go aerial, but he mistimes it altogether as the ball hits the bottom off the bat and goes to the left of long off. The batters are quick to complete two runs.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, ! Skillful shot!
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, Jos Buttler jumps down the track but Shepherd spots him pretty early. Bowls a slower ball down the leg side and Buttler clips it through mid-wicket. Vacant spaces out there and an easy two results.
Romario Shepherd to Jacob Bethell, A full toss, around off, Jacob Bethell slaps it towards wide long off for a single.
Romario Shepherd to bowl out. 3-0-21-2 so far.
Jason Holder to Jos Buttler, Four!
Jason Holder to Jos Buttler, 2 runs.
Jason Holder to Jacob Bethell, 1 run.
Jason Holder to Jacob Bethell, A short ball, wide outside off, Jacob Bethell charges down the track and slashes hard but misses.
Jason Holder to Jos Buttler, Excellent bowling. Holder sees Buttler move across and bowls it wide outside off. Buttler can only push it towards long off for a single.
Jason Holder to Jos Buttler, A slower ball, on a length outside off, or so it seemed.
Jason Holder is back on. 2-0-21-0 so far.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, Length ball, angled in on leg stump, Jos Buttler looks to flick it and misses as the ball hits his back pad and goes into the leg side. Batters sneak in a leg bye.
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, Again the pace off delivery, on a length, outside off, Jacob Bethell cuts it behind square to the right of deep backward point for a single.
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, Fuller in length, Off cutter, well outside off, Jacob Bethell goes for the reverse scoop but doesn't get any bat on it.
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, And now, this one, which is actually wider than the previous one, is not wided! A toch short, wide outside off, Jacob stands in his crease and attempts a flat-footed cut but misses.
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, ANOTHER WIDE.
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, WIDE. Joseph tries to get the ball away from the hitting arc of Bethell, but gets it too wide outside off. Left alone.
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, ! Too straight and predictably, the cutter, short of a length, Bethell is expecting the length and pace, waiting for the ball to arrive. Picks the length, shuffles across and pull-helps it over backward square leg! His first boundary of the game.
Alzarri Joseph to Jacob Bethell, A length ball, around off, Jacob Bethell steers it behind point for a couple.
Great comeback by West Indies. After conceding 78/1 in the Powerplay, they have picked up 3/58 in the 9 overs of the middle phase. Alzarri Joseph returns as England look to push on the accelerator again. 2-0-29-0 so far.
Romario Shepherd to Jacob Bethell, Full toss on middle, Jacob Bethell plays the flick towards deep mid-wicket for a single.
Romario Shepherd to Jacob Bethell, No run.
Romario Shepherd to Jacob Bethell, Romario Shepherd nails the yorker on off stump. Jacob Bethell digs it out as he pushes it back to the bowler.
Romario Shepherd to Jacob Bethell, The periscope! Smiles all around. Another slower-ball bumper, Jacob is caught in two minds, whether to play the pull or duck. Eventually, he does both, with his bat hanging in the air like a periscope. The ball hits the face of the bat and flies through mid-wicket. Shepherd himself runs to his left to stop the ball but still, the batters complete two runs!
Romario Shepherd to Jacob Bethell, No run.
Romario Shepherd to Jacob Bethell, An off cutter to begin. Short in length, around leg stump, Jacob Bethell swivels for the pull but does not quite get the pace of the delivery. Drags it through mid-wicket for a single.
Roston Chase to Jacob Bethell, Tossed up on middle, Jacob Bethell looks to flick it and is beaten by the spin and drift, as the ball drifts in and turns away to take the leading edge as it goes in the air just wide of the short cover. Single taken.
Romario Shepherd returns. 2-0-16-2 so far.
Roston Chase to Jacob Bethell, No run.
Roston Chase to Jos Buttler, A touch shorter on middle leg, Jos Buttler gently pushes it into the leg side where there's no short mid-wicket and hence the bowler goes running at it. Single taken.
Roston Chase to Jos Buttler, ! FETCH THAT! A boundary after 25 balls! Flighted, around leg stump, Jos Buttler backs away to the leg side, gets under the ball and swings it cleanly over long on for his 4th biggie! Moves to 72 (45).
Roston Chase to Jacob Bethell, Full, around off, Jacob Bethell leans and drives it towards long off for a run.
Roston Chase to Jos Buttler, A low full toss, from around the wicket, Jos Buttler whips it towards long on for a single.
Might see another bowling change. It is very rare that Andre Russell bowls back-to-back overs these days. And it will be Roston Chase to replace him. 1-0-9-1 so far.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Tossed up on off, Jos Buttler drives it off the front foot to long off for a single to keep the strike.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, 2 runs.
Gudakesh Motie to Jacob Bethell, From round the wicket to the left hander, shorter on middle, Jacob Bethell punches it off the back foot to the left of long on for a single.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, This time Buttler changes his shot and punches this down the ground towards long off for a single.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Similar ball, same shot, same result.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Bowled with a bit of a round arm, around leg stump, from around the wicket, Jos Buttler stays leg side of the ball and pushes it towards short extra cover.
Andre Russell to Jacob Bethell, Full on off, Jacob Bethell drives it off the front foot to mid off. No run.
Andre Russell to Jacob Bethell, Andre Russell welcomes Jacob Bethell with a short ball on off, as he bangs it into the surface. Jacob Bethell leaves it alone.
Jacob Bethell walks in next at number 6, replacing Tom Banton.
Andre Russell to Tom Banton, ! LBW! Appeal and given! Tom Banton reviews it straightaway!
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, On middle, pushed down to long on for one.
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, Oh dear. That could have been horrible. Excellent fielding in the end.
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, An off cutter, on a length, around leg stump, Jos Buttler charges down the track and swishes hard but misses. The ball just about misses leg stump.
Andre Russell is back on. 1-0-22-0 so far. One might wonder, why have the spin twins been separated but Shai Hope may not be wanting the batters to get used to one kind of pace.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, 1 run.
Gudakesh Motie to Tom Banton, Slower and shorter, turning away a little, outside off, Tom Banton flat bats it along the ground to deep mid-wicket for a single.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, A touch shorter and flatter on middle, Jos Buttler works it off the back foot to deep mid-wicket. Single taken.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Delivered with a bit of round-arm action, around middle and leg, Jos pushes it with soft hands through mid on, takes the fielders on and charges back for the second.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Full, around middle and leg, following the batter down the leg side, Buttler creams the drive but finds Andre Russell at extra cover.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, The arm ball, outside off, Jos Buttler goes back and punches it towards cover.
Roston Chase to Jos Buttler, Full and straight, 93 kph, Buttler works it towards deep mid-wicket for one more. 9 runs and a wicket from Chase's opener.
Roston Chase to Tom Banton, Quicker through the air, 94 kph, around middle, Banton pushes it through square leg and takes another single.
Roston Chase to Jos Buttler, Plenty of flight, around leg stump, nudged through mid-wicket for one more.
Roston Chase to Tom Banton, Down the leg side, Tom Banton works it through mid-wicket for a single.
Tom Banton walks in next at number 5, replacing his skipper, Harry Brook.
Roston Chase to Harry Brook, ! BOWLED! Well, Hosein may not be playing here but spin is still Brook's achilles heel! A bit of an overambitious shot. Chase spots Brook backing down the leg side and slows down the pace of the ball, giving it plenty of air, from around the wicket, around leg stump. Brook is a long way from the stumps, in an attempt to play the inside-out shot over cover but is beaten by the lack of pace. The ball goes on with the angle and hits the stumps. That's a giveaway
Roston Chase to Harry Brook, ! FEROCIOUS! Kevin Pietersen against Scott Styris, anyone? Full, from around the wicket, outside leg, Harry Brook brings out the reverse but does not quite change his grip. So cannot call it a switch hit. Slaps it well over cover for a boundary.
Roston Chase to Harry Brook, WIDE. 100 UP FOR ENGLAND. Fired down the leg side, left alone.
More spin. Roston Chase to bowl now.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Quicker through the air, 104 kph, a full toss outside off. Jos throws the kitchen sink at it but only manages a thick outside edge to short third. Is a bit frustrated with himself, is Buttler.
Gudakesh Motie to Harry Brook, Full and flighted, around off, Brook wrists it towards long on for one.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Slower ball, down the leg side, Jos Buttler nudges it towards short mid-wicket for a quick single.
Gudakesh Motie to Harry Brook, Around off, Harry Brook goes back and works it through mid-wicket for a run.
Gudakesh Motie to Harry Brook, Outside off, pushed towards cover.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Full, on middle, pushed down to long on for a single.
Skipper Harry Brook walks in next at number 4, replacing Jamie Smith.
Romario Shepherd to Jamie Smith, ! CAUGHT! Midas does it again for West Indies!
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, 27TH T20I 50 FOR JOS BUTTLER! It has come off just 25 balls. Barring the last few innings, Buttler had some tremendous form in the IPL and it has followed him back home. Gets there with a push through cover for a run.
Romario Shepherd to Jamie Smith, A slower ball, short in length, outside off, Jamie pulls it down to long on for one.
Romario Shepherd to Jamie Smith, ! Hit really hard! Plenty of width on the off side, short in length, Jamie Smith slaps a punch through the covers and despite a sweeper present, the ball races away!
Romario Shepherd to Jamie Smith, A short ball now, outside off, carved away through the covers for a couple.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, Slower ball, on a length outside off, 102 kph, Buttler walks down the track, getting across and works it through mid-wicket for a single.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, WIDE. A slower bumper, outside off, Jos Buttler leaps and looks to play the upper cut but misses. Wided for height.
Romario Shepherd returns. 1-0-6-1 so far.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Arrowed down the leg side, Buttler works it to deep mid-wicket for one more.
Gudakesh Motie to Jamie Smith, Flighted, around middle, 88 kph, Smith jumps down the track and eases this to long on for a run.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, 1 run.
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Outside off, driven wide of Rovman Powell at wide long off, to his left, for a couple.
Gudakesh Motie to Jamie Smith, On middle and leg, worked through mid-wicket for a run. Moves to 30 (15).
Gudakesh Motie to Jos Buttler, Full, on middle, drilled down to long on for a single.
Time for spin? Indeed. Here's Gudakesh Motie. A few more fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle now.
Alzarri Joseph to Jamie Smith, Follows the batter down the leg side and Jamie Smith tries to flick but gets nutmegged. The ball goes through to the keeper, 23 from the over and the Powerplay yields 78/1 for England!
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, Comes down the track and swings hard again. Is defeated by the change in pace and drags it through mid-wicket for a single.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, ! Even better! A full toss now, on middle, but Buttler repeats the previous ball's dose. Gets across, does not have to bend as much as the previous ball and scoops it all the way over fine leg! 22 from the over already and this stand is now worth 61 (26). And Buttler has scored 42 (18) of those!
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, ! Innovative! Full and straight, slower in pace, Jos Buttler gets across, is low and scoops it over short fine leg!
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, MORE! The ball keeps travelling and the 50-RUN STAND IS UP, IN 24 BALLS!
Will we expect another bowling change? Yes. Alzarri Joseph to bowl the final over of the Powerplay. 1-0-6-0 so far.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, ! CREAMED! A slower ball alright, but short in length. Jos Buttler charges down the track and swings it cleanly over wide mid on! The stand moves to 45 (23).
Andre Russell to Jamie Smith, !
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, 1 run.
Andre Russell to Jamie Smith, 1 run.
Andre Russell to Jamie Smith, Andre Russell nails the yorker and fires it on leg stump, Jamie Smith looks to flick it as the ball hits his pad and goes back towards the keeper.
Andre Russell to Jamie Smith, No ball and Six!
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, 3 runs.
Andre Russell to Jos Buttler, ! Good ball, but what a terrific shot. Jos Buttler pre-meditates to play the reverse scoop and Andre Russell fires it full and straight. But Buttler picks the length and reverse scoops it over short third for a boundary!
Andre Russell to bowl the 5th over.
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, No run.
Jason Holder to Jos Buttler, 1 run.
Jason Holder to Jos Buttler, No run.
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, 1 run.
Jason Holder to Jos Buttler, Full and straight, Jos pushes it towards mid on for a quick run.
Jason Holder to Jos Buttler, WIDE. Little bit ot swing, but misdirected. Full and down the leg side to start, goes further away after pitching, beating Buttler's flick. Good take by the keeper, Shai Hope, diving to his left.
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, A short ball, outside off, Jamie Smith goes for the pull but ends up dragging it through mid-wicket for a single.
Change of ends for Jason Holder. 1-0-16-0 so far.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, Another good length ball on off, Jos Buttler lofts this one over short extra cover, and gets enough on it to clear the inner ring. The short cover fielder runs behind it and cuts it off. Batters complete two runs.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, Length ball, well outside off, Jos Buttler looks to pull it, but doesn't get any bat on it. Perhaps out of his reach and the ball wasn not short enough to pull either.
Alzarri Joseph to Jamie Smith, Full and wide outside off, Jamie Smith crouches a bit and reaches out for it, as he chips it just over short cover. He didn't middle that one, did Jamie Smith, but got enough on it to get it over short cover. Single taken.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, A short ball, outside off, good height, Jos leaps and plays a forehand tennis shot which lands just wide of mid on, to his right. A single taken.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, 2 runs.
Alzarri Joseph to Jos Buttler, On a length, around off, Jos Buttler pushes it towards cover.
Alzarri Joseph to bowl now.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, Length ball outside off, width on offer, Jos Buttler cuts it square of the wicket, to deep point for a single to keep the strike. Decent start from Romario Shepherd. A wicket and 6 runs from that over.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, Length ball, with a hint of shape into the right hander, on middle off, Jos Buttler pushes it to mid off.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, ! Jos Buttler is off and running! Overpitched on middle, Jos Buttler tonks it over the bowler's head for a one bounce, boundary.
Romario Shepherd to Jos Buttler, Full and sliding well down leg, Jos Buttler looks to flick it fine, but doesn't get any bat on it. Wide given.
Romario Shepherd to Ben Duckett, ! CAUGHT! There goes the first one! Well, if his delivery to dismiss Shreyas Iyer in the 2025 IPL final was a great one, this is none less. Slower delivery, rolling his fingers over the ball, landing it on a fuller length on middle, Ben Duckett looks to flick but is early into the shot.
Jos Buttler walks in next at number 3, replacing Ben Duckett.
Romario Shepherd to Ben Duckett, Slower ball, outside off, on a length, Duckett hits it towards mid off.
Romario Shepherd to Ben Duckett, Full and wide outside off, Ben Duckett slaps it hard and hits it aerially. Lands just in front of Sherfane Rutherford at cover. Stings the fielder hard.
Spin or pace from the other end? The latter. Romario Shepherd to share the new ball with Holder.
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, ! Jamie Smith is on the charge!
Jason Holder to Ben Duckett, Length ball on middle, Ben Duckett works it along the ground to deep square leg for a single.
Jason Holder to Ben Duckett, A touch fuller, sliding down leg, Ben Duckett looks to tickle it fine but doesn't get any bat on it. A bit of an appeal from the keeper for caught behind, but the umpire is unmoved. Wide given. There was a sound as the ball went past Ben Duckett, and yes the ball did hit his pads as it went towards the keeper. But umpire didn't notice it.
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, Length ball, on middle, Jamie Smith flicks it along the ground to deep mid-wicket for a single.
It is a bit chilly out there. Ian Bishop on air informs us that with this strong wind, Akeal Hosein would have been more than a handful on the ground. Unfortunately, due to visa issues, the number 2 ranked bowler in T20Is is unavailable for this clash. Hopefully, he will be available for the next game. There has been a bit of a holdup as Holder is unhappy with the landing area. Has asked the umpire to get it repaired.
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, ! Up and over! Overpitched, on middle and leg, Jamie Smith just flicks this casually over mid-wicket and the ball lands just inside the ropes!
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, WIDE. Radar lost. Full and down the leg side, Smith gets down to sweep but misses.
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, ! Lovely shot.
Jason Holder to Jamie Smith, Full, around middle and leg, Smith swings but misses and is hit on the pads.
Right then. All set for the T20I series to kick off. The West Indies disperse from their huddle and out walk the two English openers - Jamie Smith and Ben Duckett. Plenty of opening options - Jos Buttler, Tom Banton and Will Jacks are in the ranks as well. Jason Holder, playing his first international since February 2024, will take the new ball. Smith to face. Here we go!
Interesting combinations from both sides. England have packed their side with slow-bowling options, with Brydon Carse and Matthew Potts being the only two seamers. As far as the Windies are concerned, they just have the two spin options in Roston Chase and Gudakesh Motie but a plethora of seamers! Each its own, aye?
West Indies (Playing XI) - Johnson Charles, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope (C and WK), Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Andre Russell, Gudakesh Motie and Alzarri Joseph.
England (Playing XI) - Jamie Smith, Ben Duckett, Jos Buttler (WK), Harry Brook (C), Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, Liam Dawson, Brydon Carse, Adil Rashid and Matthew Potts.
TOSS - Time for the flip of the coin. Harry Brook gives the coin a flip and it has come down in his favour. ENGLAND ELECT TO BAT.