Windies chase crucial win against England - Teams meet in 100th ODI today

ST GEORGE’S, Grenada (CMC):

Boosted by the return of all-rounder André Russell, West Indies will continue their quest for their first series win in five years when they face England in a now pivotal fourth one-day international (ODI) here today.

The two teams shared the ­double-header in Bridgetown last week before rain dashed any hopes of action in the third match at the Grenada National Stadium on Monday.

With only two games remaining, today’s match now proves critical, with the winners ensuring at least a share of the series.

The contest will have some historic significance as the 100th ODI between the two teams, and captain Jason Holder said they would be going all out to make the occasion a winning one.

“Hopefully, if the weather stays away, we should get a complete game … and obviously our ­objective is to win the game,” Holder told reporters here yesterday.

“I’ve been told it’s the ­hundredth ODI between West Indies and England, so there’s something ­special around it as well, so I guess all the guys are looking forward to it and hopefully we can start this game well and get some ­momentum going into the last one.”

Russell has been flown in to replace experienced seamer Kemar Roach who has been forced out of the series with a back injury.

The 30-year-old’s presence adds a certain X-factor to the Windies lineup, with his ability to pulverise attacks with his aggressive lower order batting.

He has not played ODIs since limping out of the Bangladesh series last July after the first match, but Holder said he was focused and up for the challenge of playing the world number one side.

“He’s in a good frame of mind. I’ve had a few good chats with him and he’s really looking forward to getting back on the field for West Indies,” Holder said.

Russell’s arrival brings Carlos Brathwaite’s place in the side under scrutiny, especially with returns of one wicket, and scores of 13 and three, in the two completed ODIs so far.

That apart, West Indies are expected to undergo little change for today’s game, with most of the top order firing and the bowling stacking up well in their 26-run victory in the second ODI last Friday.

SQUADS:

WEST INDIES – Jason Holder (captain), Fabian Allen, Devendra Bishoo, Darren Bravo, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, John Campbell, Ashley Nurse, Carlos Brathwaite, Nicholas Pooran, Sheldon Cottrell, Andre Russell, Oshane Thomas.

ENGLAND – Eoin Morgan (captain), Moeen Ali, Jonny Bairstow, Jos Buttler, Tom Curran, Joe Denly, Alex Hales, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, David Willey, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.