WI Vs ENG, 3rd ODI: Kensington Oval Pitch Report

Kensington Oval Barbados [Source: @KassNaidoo/X.Com] Kensington Oval Barbados [Source: @KassNaidoo/X.Com]

The ODI series between England and West Indies is evenly poised as both the sides have won an ODI each as we move closer to the series decider. West Indies showed their brute strength as they won the first game of the series by 8-wickets.

England bounced back in style to win the 2nd ODI, courtesy of a special knock from Liam Livingstone. Now, the caravan moves to Kensington Oval as the fans gear up for the third and the final match of the series.

So, with the two teams etching to get their hands on the trophy, we look at the pitch stats and Kensington Oval ground report.

Kensington Oval ODI Ground Stats

Criterion
Data
Matches played48
Matches won batting first19
Matches won batting second28
Average first innings score226
Average second innings score180

 Kensington Oval Pitch Report: Batters Or Bowlers, Who Will Be More Successful?

The pitch at the Kensington Oval has traditionally been a slow surface, with the average first innings score of 226. Generally it is a venue where the bowlers who use different variations succeed.

In 48 matches at this venue, 19 matches have been won batting first, and 28 batting second. It won't be a 300-plus wicket, and the batters will need to grind out in the middle. Bowlers have had successful outings at the venue and will once again be the dominant factor at this venue.

Players to watch out for at Kensington Oval

Gudukesh Motie

The wily spinner will hold the key in the series decider for the West Indian side. In the first ODI, he picked up 4 wickets to rattle the English side and will once again be a key bowler on a two-paced Kensington Oval surface.

Shai Hope

The perfect pitch for Hope to showcase his class. Pitches which tend to play differently and are two paced suits players like Shai Hope who believe in accumulating runs in singles and doubles, with odd boundaries included. On such surfaces, West Indies will need Hope to bring in his experience as the talented batter knows how to grind it out in the middle.

Liam Livingstone

Arguably England's best batter in the series, Livingstone has found his mojo back as he slammed a match-winning ton in the second ODI. His batting in the middle order is crucial since the explosive batter is someone who can easily take down the West Indian spinners with his brute hitting. Watch out for him in the 3rd ODI.