WI vs ENG 1st ODI Preview: Key Players And Stats, Live Streaming, Pitch Report, Probable XIs

England will face West Indies in 1st ODI [Source: @englandcricket/X]

On Thursday, West Indies will lock horns with England in the first One-Day International of the upcoming three-match series on home soil. The high-voltage clash will take place at the iconic Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua, with the action beginning at 11.30 PM IST. 

WI vs ENG 1st ODI: Match Details And Live Streaming

WI vs ENG 1st ODI: Can West Indies Sustain Their Dominance Over The Mighty English?

Led by Shai Hope, West Indies recently announced their squad for the series, recalling Shimron Hetmyer into the 50-overs setup. While Brandon King and Shai Hope shoulder the hosts' top order, the eyes will also be on Sherfane Rutherford and Evin Lewis, who showcased remarkable form in the Sri Lanka ODIs. 

Gudakesh Motie will be a valuable asset for West Indies with the ball, leading the bowling unit along with the in-form all-round duo of Romario Shepherd and Roston Chase and Alzarri Joseph. So, considering they have a well-balanced squad, the Windies can give the Englishmen a run for their money in the series. 

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Regarding England, the visitors will miss the services of Jos Buttler, who has been ruled out of the series due to a recurring calf injury. So, it will be England's stand-in skipper Liam Livingstone's job to guide his troops against a spirited Windies outfit. 

Apart from Livingstone, the onus will be on Will Jacks and Phil Salt to torment the hosts with their scintillating stroke-play. Meanwhile, utility players like Sam Curran, Dan Mousley and Jamie Overton will be handy with their multi-dimensional skills. England will pretty much depend on Adil Rashid and Jofra Archer to lead the charge with the ball, with Reece Topley strengthening the attack with his new-ball bowling skills. 

WI vs ENG 1st ODI Pitch Report: How Will Antigua's Surface Behave? 

The surface at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua won't likely offer significant lateral movement. However, the tacky nature of the pitch might keep the spinners interested throughout the match. The wicket might become better for batting under the lights. So, the toss-winning side will likely opt to bowl first. 

WI vs ENG 1st ODI: Key Players And Stats

• Shai Hope at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium: 531 runs in 9 innings, Average: 66.38
• Adil Rashid vs West Indies in ODIs: 20 wickets in 11 innings, Average: 26.15, SR: 26.80
• Evin Lewis vs England in ODIs: 231 runs in 7 innings, Average: 38.50, SR: 112.68

WI vs ENG 1st ODI: Probable Playing XIs

West Indies: Brandon King, Evin Lewis, Shai Hope (C/WK), Shimron Hetmyer, Roston Chase, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales

England: Phil Salt (WK), Will Jacks, Jordan Cox, Jacob Bethell, Liam Livingstone (C), Sam Curran, Dan Mousley, Jamie Overton, Jofra Archer, Adil Rashid, Reece Topley

WI vs ENG 1st ODI: Winner Prediction

Considering their home advantage and well-balanced team on paper, West Indies are the favourites to win this match. 

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