Date: Thursday, 29 May 2025
Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
Start Time: 13:00 BST
Broadcast: Live on Sky Sports
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🔎 Overview
England kick off a short ODI series against the West Indies at Edgbaston, aiming to rebound from a disappointing run of white-ball form. Despite playing at home, the hosts come into the match under pressure following a turbulent year, including a poor Champions Trophy campaign and just three wins in their last 11 ODIs.
The West Indies, meanwhile, enter the series with mixed but promising form, having split a two-match warm-up series with Ireland. While inconsistencies remain, their ability to surprise—especially against an out-of-sorts England—makes this an intriguing encounter.
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🏏 Team News & Key Players
🇬🇧 England
A new era begins under the captaincy of Harry Brook, who leads a team in transition. The bowling unit has been hit with injuries to Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson, but options remain in Brydon Carse and Saqib Mahmood.
The middle order faces selection dilemmas, with choices to be made between the likes of Jamie Smith, Jacob Bethell, and a potential recall for Joe Root. All-rounder options are thin, with Jamie Overton and Will Jacks expected to contribute with both bat and ball.
Potential England XI:
Duckett, Jacks/Banton, Smith, Root, Brook, Buttler, Bethell, J Overton, Carse, Rashid, Mahmood
🇻🇨 West Indies
The visitors have shown flashes of brilliance in recent matches. Keacy Carty starred with a mammoth 170 against Ireland and has a solid record against England. Matthew Forde continues to impress as an all-rounder, and the experienced heads of Shai Hope, Roston Chase, and Alzarri Joseph will be key.
Bowling depth remains a question mark, especially if conditions suit seam and swing. Much will rest on the effectiveness of Joseph and whether Jayden Seales or Shamar Joseph partners him.
Potential West Indies XI:
King, Lewis, Carty, Hope, Jangoo, Greaves, Forde, Chase, Motie, Joseph, Seales
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🌦️ Conditions & Pitch Report
The pitch at Edgbaston may favour bowlers, particularly early on. Historical ODI scores at the ground don’t suggest high totals, and if the forecast holds, overcast conditions could provide ample movement for seamers. Batting might prove challenging, especially for teams unfamiliar with English conditions.
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🔍 What to Watch For
Can Ben Duckett build on his promising form at the top of the order?
Will West Indies’ top order adapt to English swing bowling?
How does Harry Brook fare in his first outing as captain?
Will Joe Root return, and what role will he play?
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đź“Ś Final Thoughts
This ODI marks a crossroads for both sides. England, under new leadership and with selection question marks, must show a return to form. The West Indies, though inconsistent, possess the firepower to trouble the hosts, especially in unfamiliar, seamer-friendly conditions. Expect a closely contested match rather than a one-sided affair.
