Ex-RCB Star Out, Hetmyer In For KKR Ace; WI's Strongest XI For 2nd T20I vs England

Debashis Sarangi

Hetmyer's inclusion could benefit WI in 2nd T20I [Source: @CricCrazyJohns, @ICC/X]Hetmyer's inclusion could benefit WI in 2nd T20I [Source: @CricCrazyJohns, @ICC/X]

West Indies had a torrid start to the T20I series against England, as the hosts crushed them by 21 runs in the inaugural affair at Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street. After Jos Buttler's power-packed 96 ensured England's formidable total, West Indies fell prey to Liam Dawson's wily spin bowling, managing only 167 runs and losing the game by a convincing margin. 

As the second T20I is a do-or-die encounter for West Indies, the visitors might make a few changes to their lineup to avoid another series defeat. As the Caribbean Men gear up for the penultimate clash, let's analyse and find out their probable XI for this match. 

West Indies Playing XI For 1st T20I vs England

Johnson Charles, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope (C/WK), Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph

Potential Changes In WI's Playing XI For 2nd T20I

Shimron Hetmyer To Replace Rovman Powell?

KKR star Rovman Powell had a forgettable outing in the first T20I, as Liam Dawson castled him for 13 runs. Since 2024, Powell has been slightly underwhelming with the bat, managing 546 runs at a strike rate of 135.48 and an average of just over 24. 

But apart from his form, what could prompt West Indies to replace Powell with Shimron Hetmyer is the presence of multiple right-handed batters in their lineup. 

England have Adil Rashid (right-arm leg spin) and Liam Dawson (left-arm off spin) as their frontline spinners; so, by including Hetmyer, West Indies can ensure an additional left-hander in their batting unit to counter the English spin duo. 

West Indies had eight right-handers in their lineup for the first T20I, and four of them fell prey to Jacob Bethell and Liam Dawson's left-arm off spin in Chester-le-Street. 

Statistically, Hetmyer has been successful against left-arm spin, managing 504 T20 runs at an average of 36 and a strike rate of 162.58. Thus, he can demolish the English attack and emerge as a game-changer for West Indies in the middle overs.

Alzarri Joseph To Make Way For Matthew Forde?

Criterion
Data
Runs conceded
338
Wickets7
Average48.28
Strike Rate30
Economy9.65

(Alzarri Joseph's T20I stats after 2024 WC)

Ace West Indies speedster Alzarri Joseph was smacked to all parts of the ground in the previous game. The English batters capitalised on his pace, smashing him for 51 runs in four overs. 

Joseph has been a pale shadow of himself in T20Is of late. In his last nine outings, the pacer has bagged only seven wickets at an abysmal economy of 9.65. Thus, considering it's a must-win clash for them, the visitors might bring Matthew Forde into their playing XI. 

WI's Strongest Playing XI For 2nd T20I vs England

Johnson Charles, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope (C/WK), Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Shimron Hetmyer, Andre Russell, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Matthew Forde