WI VS ENG 3RD T20I

UPDATE - 8.21 pm GMT, Previous Day - Good news at last! All the covers are off and the players are heading out for warm-up drills. We now have a confirmed TOSS TIME as well – it’s set for 8.30 pm GMT (Previous Day). 

UPDATE - 8.07 pm GMT, Previous Day - The two umpires were out to the middle a little while ago for an inspection. Most of the covers are off now but the pitch is still under a big cover. Perhaps they are concerned about a dark cloud hovering above the ground and taking a precautionary measure. However, the umpires are still not satisfied with the condition of the outfield and we will have to wait for a bit long. Also, we have 60 minutes of buffer time before we start losing any overs. 

Just In - The news coming from the England camp is that Reece Topley has been ruled out for the remainder of this series due to the knee injury he picked up in the opening game. Yet another setback for him, it seems like he just can't catch a break. Also, he has been fined by the ICC for smashing a chair showing his frustration while leaving the ground in the first match.

PITCH REPORT - Nikhil Uttamchandani is alongside Carlos Brathwaite for the Pitch analysis. Nikhil says all the games played at this venue have been won by the teams chasing and adds that this has been a high-scoring venue. Mentions the dimensions and says that the square boundaries are 63 meters while the straight boundary is 71 meters but wind will be a crucial factor to consider. Brathwaite joins him and mentions that there is even covering of grass and if the bowlers hit the right areas around the 6-8 meter mark, they will get a good purchase. Adds that the batters will enjoy and we can expect a high-scoring encounter. 

Romario Shepherd is up for a flash interview. He says that they need to execute with the ball better and also do well with the bat as well. Adds that it is a big difference to bowl under lights and wind plays a big factor at this ground. Mentions that Russell not being here gives him a lot more responsibility. Ends by saying that Dre Russ is a big miss as he can have an impact with both bat and ball but now he has to pull up his socks for the team in Russell's absence.

UPDATE - 7.43 pm GMT, Previous Day - It is not raining currently now but due to the overnight rain there were a few wet patches in the outfield. The umpires are concerned about that and the ground staff are working on it to get the ground ready as soon as possible.

Liam Livingstone is down for a chat. He says this pitch could play better while the toss was crucial in the first two games. Adds that there is a bit more pace and bounce here which is good for everybody and they are looking forward to playing here. Mentions the depth they have as a side and says there are a lot of exciting players coming up. Concludes that the last 6 months have been great for him and he looks to continue and win games for his team while enjoying the game.

UPDATE - 7.33 pm GMT, Previous Day - Well, the toss should have been done by now but it has started to rain in St. Lucia. The covers are on at the moment and the toss is officially delayed. We hope it is just a passing shower and we get some action soon.

The weather is slightly overcast, but we remain optimistic that it won't play spoilsport in what promises to be a thrilling contest. With the series potentially on the line, both teams are set to give it their all, leaving no room for error. England, riding high on form and momentum, will be a tough nut to crack, but West Indies will be determined to fight back, reclaim their confidence, and keep the series alive. Stay tuned as the toss and team updates are just around the corner - this is a match you won’t want to miss!

England, on the other hand, have been clinical in both matches, asserting their dominance with well-rounded performances. The return of Jos Buttler, not just as captain but as a dynamic batter, was a game-changer in the previous match, where he made a storming comeback after a tough first game. His presence strengthens an already fierce and in-form batting lineup, posing a significant challenge for the West Indies bowlers. On the bowling front, England may consider a couple of changes. John Turner could be in line for his T20I debut if England decide to rest Jofra Archer and if Reece Topley remains sidelined due to the injury he sustained in the first game.

West Indies have struggled to carry their momentum from the ODI series win, with their top-order batting proving to be a significant concern in the first two T20Is. Traditionally, the West Indies have been a powerhouse with the bat in the shortest format, and it’s hard to imagine them not bouncing back to their trademark aggressive style. However, with the series on the line, the urgency to deliver has never been higher. The return of Alzarri Joseph into the squad will add much-needed balance to the side, bolstering both their bowling and overall confidence. 

Hello and a warm welcome to the third T20I between West Indies and England, coming to you from the Daren Sammy National Cricket Stadium in St Lucia! England have stormed to a 2-0 lead in the series with dominant performances, leaving the hosts, West Indies, in a must-win situation entering this match. With the series on the line, the West Indies will be banking on this change of venue to turn their fortunes around. Meanwhile, England will be looking to maintain their momentum and close out the series with another commanding display. 

... MATCH DAY ...

What a return to form for English skipper Jos Buttler as he led his side to a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series against West Indies and with the Barbados leg of the tour done and dusted, the teams now move to Gros Islet in St. Lucia for the remainder of the matches. Hosts West Indies did pip the ODI series 2-1 against an undercooked English team but now, with their stellar T20I lineup, they just haven't managed to do the damage with the bat which really is concerning and the loss of Andre Russell due to injury is a big blow to them as well. The top order has been the main culprit with the likes of Brandon King and Evin Lewis just not firing and Nicholas Pooran hasn't been able to replicate his form from a few months back. Shai Hope who was prolific in the ODI series has been on the bench and maybe it is time, the Windies give the ODI skipper a chance in the T20 format as well. One positive for West Indies is the return of Alzarri Joseph from suspension after his antics in the ODI series and he will be back with more fire and hunger. However, Gudakesh Motie and Akeal Hosein will have to play a big role if the Windies are to stay alive in the series. England on the other hand have looked solid with the bat as the top order has fired in both games. Phil Salt made a century in the first game followed by Buttler's 83 in the 2nd game. The likes of Will Jacks and Jacob Bethell too have contributed with the bat, and that destructive middle order hasn't even had the chance which is not good signs for West Indies. England did lose Reece Topley due to an injury in the first game but Jofra Archer took his place in the following match and it has been Saqib Mahmood who has been doing the damage in those early overs allowing someone like Adil Rashid to then come in and control the middle phase. The odds are highly stacked up against the hosts but it is a different venue which they know better and this could be the one game they need to turn things around but it won't be easy against and upbeat England lineup. Who are you backing for the win?