The Caribbean sun shone brightly, but it was the West Indies who truly stole the show in a rain-affected first ODI against England in Antigua. The new-look English side, featuring several debutants, faced an emphatic eight-wicket defeat. Batting first, the tourists stumbled early, losing their top order to a fierce West Indies bowling attack.
Jayden Seales, with impressive figures of 2-22, proved particularly challenging for the English openers, combining pace and accuracy to disrupt their confidence. Debutants Jordan Cox (17) and Jacob Bethell (27) offered brief glimpses of potential but failed to convert their starts into significant scores. Left-arm orthodox spinner Gudakesh Motie then took center stage, claiming a remarkable 4-41 and dismantling the English middle order.
Liam Livingstone, stepping in as captain for the absent Jos Buttler, managed to steady the ship with a reliable 48. He formed a crucial 72-run partnership with Sam Curran (37), but their efforts were in vain when Livingstone fell to Motie’s clever bowling. England’s innings collapsed further, resulting in a modest total of 209 all out in 45.1 overs.
In response, the West Indies chased a revised target of 157 from 35 overs with ease. Evin Lewis (94) and Brandon King (30) provided a stunning start, adding 81 runs for the first wicket. Lewis was in explosive form, hitting eight sixes and five fours on his way to a superb half-century, marking his 11th ODI fifty and steering the West Indies toward a comfortable victory.
Despite a brief rain delay, the West Indies maintained their momentum. Lewis eventually fell to Rashid Khan, but the damage had already been done. Keacy Carty (19*) and Shai Hope (6*) guided their team home smoothly, securing a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Looking ahead, the second ODI is scheduled for Saturday at the same venue. England will seek to regroup and find their rhythm, while the West Indies aim to build on their strong start and secure another victory.
After the match, both captains reflected on their teams’ performances. Liam Livingstone acknowledged England’s difficulties, stating, “We know someone in the top six has to get a big total for us, and unfortunately, we didn’t do that today. We didn’t adapt well. The West Indies took wickets at regular intervals.”
West Indies captain Shai Hope praised his team’s discipline and early wicket-taking, saying, “We always ask the opening bowlers to set the tone and get early wickets, and that’s what they did today. We were much more consistent, and discipline was key for us.”
As the series continues, all eyes will be on how England can bounce back from their early setbacks, while the West Indies look to maintain their impressive form.
