Arjit - Thursday, Jun 05, 2025Cricket fans, the wait is over! After England's stunning 3-0 win in the ODI series, now both the teams will face each other in the T20 format. The first match of the three-match T20I series will be played on June 6 at 11:00 PM IST (6:30 PM local time) at the Riverside Ground in Chester-le-Street. The match is expected to be an exciting one as several T20 specialist players are making a comeback in the West Indies squad.
Match: England vs West Indies, 1st T20I
Date: June 6, 2025
Time: 11:00 PM IST
Venue: Riverside Ground, Chester-le-Street, England
The pitch at the Riverside Ground usually offers a balanced surface that helps both batsmen and bowlers. However, it is considered slightly more favorable to the bowlers, especially the fast bowlers. The average first innings score has been around 165 runs, which is a bit low in modern T20 cricket. Chasing targets here often proves to be beneficial. The team winning the toss may prefer to bowl first.
The temperature is expected to be around 16°C during the match, with 50% cloud cover and 54% humidity. The wind speed can be up to 18 km/h. The possibility of light drizzle cannot be ruled out either, although heavy rain is unlikely.
England's morale is high after a clean sweep in the ODI series. However, they will miss some big players. Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are not available in this white ball series due to injuries. Phil Salt, who recently performed brilliantly in the IPL, is in the squad but may miss the first T20 due to personal reasons.
Playing11: Jos Buttler (wk), Tom Banton, Harry Brook (C), Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Saqib Mahmood, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Luke Wood.
The good news for West Indies is that experienced all-rounders Jason Holder and Andre Russell are back in the T20I squad, giving their side a boost. However, Nicholas Pooran will be unavailable to rest after a busy IPL season. West Indies are known for their T20 potential and will be desperate to avenge their ODI defeat.
Playing11: Shai Hope (C, wk), Johnson Charles, Brandon King, Rovman Powell, Andre Russell, Sherfane Rutherford, Jason Holder, Romario Shepherd, Akeal Hosein, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie.
In recent times, England have struggled a bit in T20Is against West Indies at home, winning only three of their last seven matches.
Wicketkeepers: Jos Buttler (ENG) and Shai Hope (WI) are both excellent choices. Buttler is known for his aggressive batting, while Hope has shown good form recently.
Batsmen: Harry Brook (ENG), Phil Salt (ENG) (if playing), Brandon King (WI) and Evin Lewis (WI) should be in your fantasy team. Sherfane Rutherford can also be a useful option.
All-rounders: Andre Russell (WI) and Jason Holder (WI) are making a comeback and are match-winners in T20s. Will Jacks (ENG) and Romario Shepherd (WI) can also make significant contributions.
Bowlers: Adil Rashid (ENG) is an experienced spinner, while Alzarri Joseph (WI) and Saqib Mahmood (ENG) can be effective in fast bowling. Gudkesh Moti will be crucial for West Indies in the spin department.
Jos Buttler (C): Consistently delivers points with his explosive batting and wicketkeeping.
Andre Russell (VC): Has the ability to change the course of the match with both batting and bowling.
Phil Salt (C): If plays, his recent form has been excellent.
Shai Hope (VC): A steady and crucial run-scorer for West Indies.
England are high on confidence after their ODI series win. However, West Indies are a different team in the T20 format, especially with the return of their key players. It is expected to be a close contest, but given the home conditions and recent ODI performances, England have a slightly better chance of winning the first T20I. West Indies will pose a strong challenge, but England's batting depth could give them the edge.
