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England hit new low as brutal West Indies and Shai Hope tear into Sam Curran

Shai Hope
Shai Hope hit a brilliant century to get West Indies over the line in a big chase in the first ODI - Getty Images/RANDY BROOKS

Losing six games in the World Cup was bad enough. Now, England’s one-day international side have added an unwanted encore: defeat to a side who did not even qualify. West Indies, vanquished by Zimbabwe, Netherlands and Scotland in the World Cup qualifiers five months ago, added to the turmoil facing England by chasing down 326 at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

For one man juggling the triple responsibilities of batting, wicketkeeping and captaincy, the first one-day international since the World Cup provided a welcome harbinger of better days to come. But while Jos Buttler stumbled to a 13-ball three and then watched his new-look bowling attack mislay their line and length, Shai Hope anchored West Indies’ run chase sumptuously.

Then, with victory in sight, Hope unfurled a stunning crescendo. Brydon Carse was launched over midwicket for six, taking the runs required beneath 30. As Sam Curran sought to defend 19 from the penultimate over, he invitingly served up a full toss, pummelled for another six. In vain, Curran dragged his length back; Hope responded by clearing the boundary ropes twice more, ending with three sixes in four balls and a flurry of 33 runs in 11 deliveries.

Shai Hope, of West Indies, hits 6 to win the first one day international (ODI) cricket match between England and West Indies at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in North Sound, Antigua and Barbuda, on December 3, 2023
Hope stuck around and held his nerve to reach a century in the final over of the match - Getty Images/Randy Brooks

After the final blow, Hope raised his arms aloft in delight, basking in the acclaim from the Sir Andy Roberts End – housing the outnumbered, but still vocal, West Indies contingent. Before the series, Hope had been asked about why West Indies tend to perform better against England than other rivals; his undefeated 109 extended this trend.

Innings like these, of course, are Buttler’s forte. Yet his struggles to find the pace of the Antigua wicket extended the deepest slump of his ODI career, which now runs to 141 runs at 14.1 apiece since the start of the World Cup.

“I feel good, I just keep managing to get out,” Buttler said. “It’s disappointing, frustrating and gone on for a lot longer than I’d have liked. “The only thing you can do is keep working hard, keep putting yourself out there, trusting in the stuff that’s served you well over a long period of time and hope it turns around.”

Facing the prospect of a seventh defeat in these 10 games, Buttler would have been entitled to hope for more support from his team-mates. But as Hope and Romario Shepherd – whose arrival at 213-5 in the 39th over signalled the start of West Indies’ assault – added a match-defining 89-run stand, so England stumbled in response. All told England bowled eight wides; there was also an overthrow.

Most unfortunate of all were a series of full tosses from Curran. Thirteen months ago, Curran was player of the tournament in the T20 World Cup after a series of terrific displays with the ball. That pedigree is hard to reconcile with the travails of recent months: a torrid World Cup campaign, and then this display. After posing little threat with the new ball, Curran repeatedly erred in length with the old ball. Hope’s late assault left Curran nursing figures of 0-98 – the most expensive figures by any England bowler in an ODI – from 9.5 overs.

Sam Curran of England reacts to a boundary being hit off his bowling during the 1st CG United One Day International match between West Indies and England at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium on December 03, 2023 in Antigua
Sam Curran struggled for line and length at the death and it cost England - Getty Images/Ashley Allen

Though Curran’s 38 from number eight was a reminder of his all-round qualities, the sense is growing that he might ultimately need to be able to bat in the top seven to command a regular place in the side. Rehan Ahmed’s control and poise during the middle overs, which included snaring Alick Athanaze with a googly, was altogether more heartening for England’s challenges ahead.

If Gus Atkinson threatened with his pace – his control was more concerning – West Indies’ chase provided another reminder of how much England are missing Jofra Archer. While Archer will join the team to train in Barbados, he will not play any role in the series. Archer has not joined the Indian Premier League auction for next season’s competition, with his fitness being carefully monitored in the hope that he could be fit to return to the Caribbean for the T20 World Cup in June.

With the next ODI World Cup not until 2027, that tournament now looms as the next target for England’s next generation. However punch-drunk England were left feeling by the day’s end, this was not a performance devoid of worth: their batting still provided a reminder of the white-ball talent that remains.

Phil Salt (L) and Will Jacks (R), of England, mark a 50 runs partnership during the first one day international (ODI) cricket match between England and West Indies at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium
Phil Salt (L) and Will Jacks (R), of England, mark a 50 runs partnership during the first one day international (ODI) cricket match between England and West Indies at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium

In India, England’s opening pair tended towards the conservative, missing the early impetus that Jason Roy provided at his best. Pairing Phil Salt and Will Jacks together is an indication that England want to return to the buccaneering approach against the new ball that became their hallmark in the reboot after 2015.

From the moment that Salt crunched the fourth ball of the day, from Alzarri Joseph, for a one-bounce four, England’s openers seemed to signal a new beginning from the World Cup. While neither made a substantive score – Salt chipped left-arm spinner Gudakesh Motie to cover for 45; Jacks feathered Joseph behind for 26 an over later – their 77-run stand holds the hope that the two will be England’s long-term ODI opening pair.

“A lot of stuff we did really, really well, not well enough to win the game in the end but guys will be better for the experience,” said Buttler. “The two guys at the top set the tone really well.” Yet neither Salt nor – more surprisingly – Jacks has a central contract.

After the new ball, timing the ball became markedly trickier. But while Zak Crawley was dropped twice in his 48 before Buttler’s struggles, Harry Brook had no such trouble. His smooth 71, from 72 balls, added to the impression that it will be years until he is left out of a full-strength England ODI side again. If only the identity of those to play alongside Brook was so simple.


West Indies down England with late onslaught – as it happened


09:30 PM GMT

Shai Hope – captain, centurion, matchwinner – is player of the match

“It was in a winning cause and that’s all I play from. My aim and my thing is to win games, I am happy that the guys crossed the line today. A very famous person, MS Dhoni... we had a chat recently was saying you always have a lot more time than you think. It’s nice to see that the guys can pull off chasing scores of 300 plus.”


09:27 PM GMT

Jos Buttler reacts to another ODI loss

“A lot of credit goes to Shai Hope and his guys at the end. We asked a lot of questions and they had a lot to do but they played really well at the back-end there to chase those runs down. I thought it was a fantastic batting effort, I loved the intent the guys came out with at the top. They really set the tone for us.

“We found the wicket a bit tricky in the middle phase. It needed a special innings to chase it down. It’s been a little while since I played my best, I need to just keep working hard and hope it’ll come back.”


09:25 PM GMT

The remaining fixtures on this tour

2nd ODI, December 6 at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua 
3rd ODI, December 9 at Kensington Oval, Barbados

1st T20I: December 12 at Kensington Oval, Barbados
2nd T20I: December 14 at National Cricket Stadium, Grenada
3rd T20I: December 16 at National Cricket Stadium, Grenada
4th T20I: December 19 at Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago
5th T20I: December 21 at Brian Lara Cricket Academy, Trinidad and Tobago


09:24 PM GMT

A reminder that West Indies did not even qualify for the World Cup

And now England have lost to them. Obviously that doesn’t mean they are an awful side but fair to say that England have lost their way in recent times.


09:10 PM GMT

England's ODI woes continues...

A poor World Cup and whilst not a terrible performance here, but it was a bit loose at the end from the bowlers. A few too many wides and bowlers not hitting their marks. WI did it with seven balls left when they looked well behind the rate earlier in the innings. Still, sometimes the opposition are allowed to play well and West Indies, Athanaze, Hope and Shepherd all did that.


09:09 PM GMT

WEST INDIES 326/6 beat ENG 325/9 by four wickets

First ball from Curran is sliced by Joseph onto the leg side for a single.

Second ball is straight, a full toss and is punched powerfully back over to cow corner for six! I think that probably seals the deal for West Indies if no further wickets.

Next ball is a dot. 12 from nine...

Fourth ball is across the batsman, back of a length and Hope latches onto it quickly and sends it over the boundary rope at wide long on for another six! That’s his hundred! And West Indies are on the brink...

Fifth ball is the same, flatter but another six! West Indies win with a flourish! What a fantastic innings from Shai Hope. 109 off 83, ably supported by Romario Shepherd at the death and helped by Alick Athanaze at the start.


09:03 PM GMT

OVER 48: WI 307/6 (Hope 91 Joseph 1) TARGET 326

Hope moves into the 90s but another good over from Gus Atkinson with just five runs and a wicket from it.

West Indies need 19 runs in the final two overs. 

Sam Curran has gone for 79 from his nine but will finish his allocation... this could be the critical over.


08:57 PM GMT

WICKET! Shepherd LBW Atkinson 48

On the pads, in front, full length, playing across the line and given out on field.

West Indies review... but it’s a futile review and England get a crucial wicket. But is it too little too late?

Shepherd has done his job but goes two short of a 50, but off just 28 balls. Atkinson has two.

FOW 302/6


08:56 PM GMT

OVER 47: WI 302/5 (Hope 87 Shepherd 48) TARGET 326

Shepherd chases a wide full toss and top edges it behind for four runs. Fortunate, yes. But the old adage of “if you are going to flash, flash hard” applies here.

Carse continues, intentionally or otherwise, with his wide full-tosses and Hope this time chases it and pings it through point for four beyond the diving Harry Brook. He then picks up a short one next ball, lifting it over the deep midwicket boundary for six!

West Indies now favourites, certainly, after a wonderful innings from Hope and a brutal one from Shepherd. Carse has gone for 14 from his first four balls of this over, undoing a little Atkinson’s good work. 300 up now... and Windies have got the run-rate to just eight...

Should be a cake walk from here.


08:52 PM GMT

OVER 46: WI 285/5 (Hope 76 Shepherd 42) TARGET 326

Atkinson does his best to pull Windies back in and it works pretty well with three off five until he bowls a wide with what should have been the last ball of the over. It sounds like the umpires have decided to review something here. No idea what it was. Anyway, one ball left and Shepherd knocks it out to wards point for a single.

Good over, Gus. Five from it.  And the “wide” was gloved down the leg side so shouldn’t have been a wide. Buttler signalled a “review” but you cannot review wides in ODIs. I don’t see why not. What if West Indies win this on the last ball with a single?


08:46 PM GMT

OVER 45: WI 280/5 (Hope 74 Shepherd 41) TARGET 326

61 from 36 at the start of the over, still just a shade over 10. West Indies are probably favourites here? Well, not according to CricViz’s WinViz predictor which has them at just 34 per cent compared to England’s 66 to win. Curran continues and a two and a single off his first two balls before a waist-high full-toss is slice behind square on the off side, for four, by Shepherd as he moves to 40 off 20...

Hope then gets down on one knee and slog sweeps Currant for six from just short of a length. Now CricViz has West Indies at 50 per cent... the game moves quickly here.


08:41 PM GMT

OVER 44: WI 265/5 (Hope 64 Shepherd 36) TARGET 326

Oh dear. Not what England wanted. A full toss from Atkinson and Shepherd latches onto it and gives it what it deserves, sending it to the leg-side boundary for four. 36 off 17 and England now under pressure to limit the runs. A dot is then followed from a wide... the 50 partnership is now up after 32 deliveries. Just what West Indies wanted. Hope just playing the supporting role there with 12 off 13. It’s another wide for Atkinson. England losing control here. Will be at least an eight-ball over. “Only” 10 from it though.


08:36 PM GMT

OVER 43: WI 255/5 (Hope 61 Shepherd 31) TARGET 326

Curran continues but Shepherd gets four first ball and then gets the long handle out next ball and pulverises him over his head for six! Not much foot movement, nowhere near the pitch of the ball but his strong levers give him the power to get it well over the rope. West Indies very much in this game, Shepherd with 25 off 14 now and Hope on 60 off 61.

Curran then takes some pace off the ball but Shepherd is onto it, waiting and then heaving the ball over the deep midwicket boundary for another six! Big! Curran getting tonked in this over... but Shepherd can then only cloth a full toss back to mid-off for a single.

19 from the over, though... 

The last two overs: 6 1 2 1 1 . 4 6 1 1 6 1


08:31 PM GMT

OVER 42: WI 236/5 (Hope 60 Shepherd 14) TARGET 326

Carse gets a bit of tap early on in the over, being thumped for six over deep backward square leg before being thrashed for two on the off-side. A bit of messy running and fielding in the next few balls brings one, two and then another single. Hope then brings up 5,000 ODI runs at an average of 51.02 and a strike rate of 77 with 15 hundreds. That is good in anyone’s books.

90 off 48 for WI now. 


08:26 PM GMT

OVER 41: WI 225/5 (Hope 57 Shepherd 6) TARGET 326

Rehan Ahmed keeps things pretty tight with just one run off the first four balls, followed by two. The final ball is short and wide and Hope steps back and cuts hard behind square. Brook is there sliding on the boundary and prevents four runs, which means it saves two.


08:19 PM GMT

OVER 40: WI 219/5 (Hope 53 Shepherd 4) TARGET 326

Curran drops short with a slower ball and the significantly-sized Shepherd waits and then launches it towards midwicket, albeit for just a couple. He is then rapped on the pads in front and is given out on field...

He reviews... I cannot see how this is hitting the stumps or is even close... indeed it is not. It would have just about hit a second leg stump. A long over in the end with a wide but six from it.

106 runs from 60 balls – or 10.6 an over – is West Indies’ task. 


08:17 PM GMT

OVER 39: WI 214/5 (Hope 52 Shepherd 1) TARGET 326

A big task for West Indies now, though the run rate is still (only) 10.18.


08:15 PM GMT

WICKET! Rutherford c Brook b Rehan 6

Unfortunately he does not survive for very much longer. He has a big heave this time, gets it high on the leg side and Harry Brook is standing there on the boundary rope at deep midwicket and takes a steepling catch very well. West Indies are now five down.

FOW 214/5


08:12 PM GMT

WICKET! Or so England think...

It’s two in a row as Hope gets in on the action, launching Rehan Ahmed this time, over his head for six. Rutherford has another sweep but is trapped in front and that is given out on field. He reviews...

The ball is not hit off the bat... it’s pitching in line, hit him in line but is bouncing over and Rutherford survives. 


08:11 PM GMT

OVER 38: WI 206/4 (Hope 45 Rutherford 6) TARGET 326

One ball left in the Atkinson over and debutant Sherfane Rutherford makes as good as start as you ever can in international cricket: with a six! He launches one over the bowler’s head, with precision almost.


08:08 PM GMT

WICKET! Hetmyer c Carse b Atkinson 32

Well, the run rate has reached 10 per over from here on. It’s a fair ask but it has been done before. The over starts well with an inside edge beyond the stumps for four but then Hetmyer has a big heave and skies one in the air, behind square on the leg side... Brydon Carse is there under the ball and takes an excellent catch under a swirling ball.

FOW 200/4


08:01 PM GMT

OVER 37: WI 194/3 (Hope 45 Hetmyer 26) TARGET 326

Reham Ahmed is coming back for a spell, four runs off him.

Thirteen overs left and we are due a drinks break, after which Luke Slater will be your guide until the conclusion. Cheers.


08:00 PM GMT

OVER 36: WI 190/3 (Hope 43 Hetmyer 24) TARGET 326

Atkinson comes on for a new spell and the West Indies pair find him a bit more to their liking. Hetmyer plays the ball to mid off and Curran fails to stop it with his foot. “Very, very sloppy,” says Sir Curtly. I don’t think I could deal with Curtly Ambrose being disappointed or cross at me. What a giant of the sport. Seems like a brilliant person as well.


07:54 PM GMT

OVER 35: WI 180/3 (Hope 40 Hetmyer 18) TARGET 326

Liam Livingstone will complete his quota, he’s bowled ten straight. Suffers no damage of note and that’s ten overs one for 50.

West Indies need 146 from 90 which is nearly, but not quite, ten an over.


07:52 PM GMT

OVER 34: WI 175/3 (Hope 36 Hetmyer 17) TARGET 326

Carse drops a bit short here a couple of times, which isn’t necessarily a disaster because the ball is prone to keeping low and indeed Hope is nearly sucker-punched with a bottom-edged cut. But the following delivery is just legit short, and Hetmyer helps himself.

I am enjoying the TNT comms: David Ivan Gower and Sir Curtly Elconn Lynwall Ambrose together.


07:49 PM GMT

OVER 33: WI 165/3 (Hope 33 Hetmyer 11) TARGET 326

FINALLY Windies get some change out of Liam L. Couple of big shots in this over, Hope gets his front leg out the way and launches a six. Now Hetmyer gets in on the act and tonks a ball down the ground for four.


07:48 PM GMT

OVER 32: WI 153/3 (Hope 26 Hetmyer 6) TARGET 326

Carse, varying his lengths well, keeps the pair down to three.


07:47 PM GMT

OVER 31: WI 150/3 (Hope 25Hetmyer 4) TARGET 326

Livingstone to Hetmyer, Liam continues to do the Lord’s work. Two off the over.


07:32 PM GMT

OVER 30: WI 148/3 (Hope 24 Hetmyer 3) TARGET 326

Shimron Hetmyer comes in. That wicket ball from Carse was a cross seam delivery, and the first one to Shimmy is as well. He tries to flick it away, not timed that, and it JUST evades the leaping Ben Duckett at short midwicket.

Now Hetmyer tries to pull a ball from Carse, again it doesn’t get up and he’s hit on the pads pulling but this one would have gone over the top and England sensibly don’t review. I liked that on first look but I think SH had got himself sort of concertina-ed up which made it look lower than it was.


07:29 PM GMT

WICKET! Carty lbw Carse 16

Ah and that is the problem with this pitch. You stay in and don’t score quickly and you leave yourself valuable to the two-paced factor. Carse comes on for a new spell, a quick and straight ball but it keeps low and Carty is done for. Doesn’t bother reviewing and rightly so. FOW 144/3


07:26 PM GMT

OVER 29: WI 144/2 (Carty 16 Hope 23) TARGET 326

Livingstone continues, through seven overs now for just 31 runs. Gold dust. Three off this one.


07:23 PM GMT

OVER 28: WI 141/2 (Carty 13 Hope 23) TARGET 326

But Curran comes back well in that over. Little bit of a breeze across the ground now, looks a lovely afternoon for crick.


07:21 PM GMT

OVER 27: WI 137/2 (Carty 12 Hope 20) TARGET 326

Shai with a similar area against Livingstone, crunches another boundary to the midwicket fence.


07:20 PM GMT

OVER 26: WI 130/2 (Carty 11 Hope 14) TARGET 326

Sam Curran comes on as Jos looks to change a strategy that had been working well. Hope splatters the first ball from Scurran to the cow corner fence.


07:12 PM GMT

OVER 25: WI 125/2 (Carty 11 Hope 9) TARGET 326

Livingstone to Hope, Shai gets a hold of that one and smacks it down the ground, nearly braining the umpire in the process.


07:11 PM GMT

OVER 24: WI 120/2 (Carty 11 Hope 4) TARGET 326

Finally Windies land a glove, it is wide from Rehan and Carty helps that on the way to leg.


07:10 PM GMT

OVER 23: WI 114/2 (Carty 6 Hope 3) TARGET 326

Clack, clack, clack, the pressure ratchets up. Two off the over from LL.


07:07 PM GMT

OVER 22: WI 112/2 (Carty 5 Hope 2) TARGET 326

And the pressure mounts as Rehan delivers a maiden. This is a bit like England Mirror - 2000s era when the not very mighty E couldnae get a spinner off the square.

Massive ill advised heave probably incoming.


07:03 PM GMT

OVER 21: WI 112/2 (Carty 5 Hope 2) TARGET 326

Liam Liv also doing a good tidy job here.


07:02 PM GMT

OVER 20: WI 109/2 (Carty 3 Hope 1) TARGET 326

Chance for England to fiddle a few cheap overs here, there’s no risks to be taken just yet fir Carty and Hope against Rehan.


07:01 PM GMT

OVER 19: WI 106/2 (Carty 1 Hope 0) TARGET 326

That brings Shai Hope to the crease. Like England, Windies have lost the two openers in quick succession after a good start.


07:00 PM GMT

WICKET! King b Livingstone 35

Spin does it again! Liam L pushed this one through a bit quicker and flatter. Probably kept a bit low, Livingstone swept and that clipped the pad on the way through. FOW 106/2


06:56 PM GMT

OVER 18: WI 104/1 (King 34 Carty 0) TARGET 326

Keacy Carty comes in at three for West Indies, and what a berth that has been over the years.


06:50 PM GMT

WICKET! Athanaze lbw b Rehan Ahmed 66

And they’ve got it in the shape of Rehan Ahmed’s googly! Nice bit of bowling, it’s one sweep too many from Alick Athanaze, who is pinned on or around off stump. It was going on with the arm and would have hit off. Umpire’s call. He doesn’t review, so shows good judgment there. FOW 104/1


06:48 PM GMT

OVER 17: WI 103/0 (Athanaze 66 King 33) TARGET 326

Livingstone. Two successful sweeps in this over, one to each batsman, pinged for fours. Ton up Windies and this is excellent batting so far. England need something from someone.


06:46 PM GMT

OVER 16: WI 94/0 (Athanaze 62 King 28) TARGET 326

Hello, Tyers here for a bit again while Luke has a change of shirt and a carbohydrate gel (Burger King).

Windies going along very nicely and Rehan bowls a two-run over.


06:40 PM GMT

OVER 15: WI 92/0 (Athanaze 61 King 27) TARGET 326

Athanaze moves to 50 in a manner he has played this innings: with panache. A well-timed four through the off-side with a bit of a flourish. It’s not fair to compare every (any!) promising Windies left-hander with Brian Charles Lara but, you know....

His onslaught continues with another two fours which move him into the 60s. And he keeps the strike with a single. Another handy over for the West Indies.


06:35 PM GMT

OVER 14: WI 79/0 (Athanaze 48 King 27) TARGET 326

Runs off every ball of Rehan’s second over bar the last, and with a four to King in the middle. West Indies not squandering a decent start with 79 runs off 87 balls so far. It’s definitely a platform.


06:31 PM GMT

OVER 13: WI 71/0 (Athanaze 46 King 21) TARGET 326

Shot of the day! King swivel-pulls a short one off Carse, going back and whipping it cleanly through towards mid-wicket for six! It was pretty flat and hit pretty damn hard. Another wide takes West Indies to 70 before an Athanaze single. Approaching his 50 now after playing well, at nearly a run a ball. That is the kind of over West Indies needed.


06:27 PM GMT

OVER 12: WI 62/0 (Athanaze 45 King 14) TARGET 326

Time for Rehan Ahmed. A tidy start for the young spinner with just three singles from it. West Indies well below what England were here and probably need to try to get a move on. Plenty of time, though. England didn’t have a particularly dynamic middle passage.


06:23 PM GMT

OVER 11: WI 59/0 (Athanaze 43 King 13) TARGET 326

Just a handful of singles – four of them – in Carse’s second over. The last ball bounces a bit, catching King’s bat on the splice.

Meanwhile, here’s Tim Wigmore:

“There’s much excitement in the Caribbean about Alick Athanaze, and the way he’s begun this innings shows why. The square drive for four off Sam Curran - pushed with minimal force but sumptuous timing - was an indication of his class. Brandon King has found scoring altogether more troubling. West Indies will have to take risks against spin if they are to have designs on chasing down England’s 325.”


06:19 PM GMT

OVER 10: WI 55/0 (Athanaze 41 King 11) TARGET 326

Athanaze, in fine form, nails one down the ground but Atkinson is aware enough to try to stop and deflect it, which he does. Atkinson then digs one in, Athanaze rocks back and lifts it over the fielder, Rehan Ahmed, backward of square on the leg side. Took it on, didn’t get all of it but gets four runs for his work. He moves to 35 off 39.

No mistake the next ball! Same ball almost and right out of the middle for six! That takes West Indies to their 50. Can’t say that Atkinson is looking especially rapid out there right now...


06:15 PM GMT

OVER 9: WI 45/0 (Athanaze 31 King 11) TARGET 326

It’s Brydon Carse, whose late hitting helped England to 325, to begin his first spell. King has an attempt at a big hit but cloths it into the air and safe. Just the three from the over and only two off the bat to King. England have reined West Indies in a bit. England were 77/1 at this stage...


06:12 PM GMT

OVER 8: WI 42/0 (Athanaze 31 King 9) TARGET 326

Just a single to Athanaze in Atkinson’s fourth over.


06:07 PM GMT

OVER 7: WI 41/0 (Athanaze 30 King 9) TARGET 326

King gets in on the act, albeit with a fortunate slash outside off which flies well wide of Jos Buttler and through the non-existent slip cordon. Another five dot balls other than that, but it’s the one or two bad ones in the over which England are struggling with at the moment. It’s not like it’s rapid progress from WI, but... yeah.


06:03 PM GMT

OVER 6: WI 37/0 (Athanaze 30 King 5) TARGET 326

Atkinson continues and starts well with four dots but it’s another loose ball which results in another Alick Athenaze boundary. Short, wide and punished with a disdainful slap on the off-side. He gets away with a repeat next ball as Athenaze finds the fielder. A bit too loose.


06:00 PM GMT

OVER 5: WI 33/0 (Athanaze 26 King 5)

Another four and two more runs from Sam Curran’s third over as England look to reign in a good West Indies start... Athanaze the man who has done most of the damage so far with 26 off 20.


05:55 PM GMT

OVER 4: WI 26/0 (Athanaze 19 King 5)

Atkinson’s second over is better, with just a wide from the first ball and then six dots. Early days of course but England needed that.


05:52 PM GMT

OVER 3: WI 25/0 (Athanaze 19 King 5)

Another four for Athanaze first ball. Curran then sends one down the leg side, there is a noise as it goes through and a few tentative appeals, especially from Buttler. Umpire says no and that is because it clipped the pads, not the bat. A much bigger appeal fifth ball as Athanaze is struck in front but it looks like it was sliding down leg and the decision is not out.

Athanaze then leans into a floaty full and wide one and spanks it through the covers for four more with an open bat face. Lovely-looking shot indeed.

England have begun a little sloppily here.


05:47 PM GMT

OVER 2: WI 17/0 (Athanaze 11 King 5)

King is off the mark first ball off Gus Atkinson with a single. A dot and then Athanaze moves to 11 with another single. A lovely shot along the ground, through the covers for King gets him his first boundary. A bit full but well driven. Two more dots and it’s six from Atkinson’s first.


05:43 PM GMT

OVER 1: WI 11/0 (Athanaze 10 King 0)

Alick Athanaze gets two off the first ball of the innings but struggles to get bat on ball soon thereafter, including an attempted cut which goes behind.

Fifth ball of the over is a no ball which results in a free hit. Athanaze gets bat on ball with the free hit, guiding a short ball behind square on the leg side, hooking for six!

A nudge off the pads means it’s two more and 11 off the first over, a decent start for WI.


05:39 PM GMT

West Indies are about to start their chase

It’ll be Sam Curran with the first over...


05:12 PM GMT

England all out for 325 (50 ov)

England used up all 300 balls of the innings and, given that the pitch has had some variable bounce, they will be happy enough.

Harry Brook, who top-scored with 71, tells TNT: “I had to give myself more time today than normal. Surface is tough. Been practising on similar so we had a game plan. We want a series win. Poor World Cup, but nice to be out here.”

England made a brisk start, they were pegged back a bit but they never ran totally aground and then they whacked it around at the end. It would have been nice if someone had really taken control of the match - 45, 26, 48, 20, 71, 17, 38 were some of the scores of the not-out men - but overall that looks a pretty solid total on a tricky, two-paced pitch. Jos Buttler the only batsman who didn’t chip in.

Luke Slater will be here in a few minutes to start the England reply.

Brydon Carse chipped in down the order
Brydon Carse chipped in down the order - AFP

05:10 PM GMT

OVER 50: ENG 325/10 (Carse 31*)

Sherfane Rutherford, making his ODI debut, with a handy bit of fielding on the ropes. Full toss from Oshane Thomas and Rehan Ahmed gets hold of it. Shot!

But Rehan goes for another big one next ball, high, high, high up in the air and the bowler himself gets under it and does the necessary. WICKET! Ahmed c&b Thomas 12 and it’s FOW 321/9

New man Gus Atkinson comes in and has smoked the ball through long off. What a shot from the England number 11.

Goes big off the last ball of the innings...

WICKET! Atkinson c sub (Chase) b Thomas 4 and it’s 325/10


05:04 PM GMT

OVER 49: ENG 313/8 (Carse 31* Ahmed 4*)

A dot, a wide, and five singles in this Joseph over. He’d take that.


05:03 PM GMT

OVER 48: ENG 307/8 (Carse 29* Ahmed 1*)

Curran, incidentally, had smacked another six earlier in the over. Ahmed the new man.


04:59 PM GMT

WICKET! Curran run out 38

Oh dear, another run out. Curran cuts behind square and is sadly unaware that Carse has run through for the single. Joseph keeps his head, throws the ball to the non-striker’s end and Curran is nowhere near. FOW 307/8


04:54 PM GMT

OVER 47: ENG 299/7 (Carse 28* Curran 32*)

Duelling banjoes out there. Now it’s Curran who has scored slightly more. The England guys work the ball around well for eight off the over, no boundary.


04:52 PM GMT

OVER 46: ENG 291/7 (Carse 27* Curran 26*)

Good lower middle order biffing here - Carse with a six over midwicket, Curran connects to mid off and then straighter, a four apiece for both of those. 17 off the over.

Something of a retro feel to this. Hot start, becalmed in the middle overs, pongo from the bowler/all-rounder lads at the end. Here is Tim Wigmore:

“After having a long tail at times in the World Cup, England have the depth they like in their batting today. Rehan Ahmed - first-class average of 32 - is at 10; Gus Atkinson - first-class average of 28 - is at 11. Brydon Carse is justifying his position above both so par: feels like England are considerably under-par on a tricky pitch.”


04:48 PM GMT

OVER 45: ENG 274/7 (Carse 16* Curran 20*)

Curran with a flat batted heave and a six.  England looking like they are on for a defendable score.


04:46 PM GMT

OVER 44: ENG 264/7 (Carse 13* Curran 13*)

These two Southern African made lads seem to be enjoying their time together, both giving the ball a merry thump where possible. King, fielding at cover, lets a Carse drive through him. Sir Curtly Ambrose on TNT comms: “Bowlers need support. That was sloppy.”


04:40 PM GMT

OVER 43: ENG 256/7 (Carse 7* Curran 12*)

Sam Curran chips in with a brace of beefy pulls.  Talking of Northants, Sam was born in Northampton and grew up in Zimbabwe.


04:35 PM GMT

OVER 42: ENG 246/7 (Carse 6* Curran 3*)

Cariah to Carse - and he’s opened his account with a straight six! Brydon Carse, such a pretty name. Born Cape Town, son of former Northants man James Carse.


04:25 PM GMT

OVER 41: ENG 239/7 (Curran 2*)

That came off the last ball of the over.


04:24 PM GMT

WICKET! Brook c Joseph b Shepherd 71

Brook tries to make himself some room, Shepherd follows him a bit. I’d need to see it again but I think he took the pace off the ball a bit with cutter fingers. Anyway, it upsets Brook’s timing and he donks the ball to mid off. FOW 239/7

Here is Tim Wigmore: “Excellent innings from Harry Brook - 71 off 72 on a two-paced wicket from number 5. As the team is regenerated, he feels like the most likely of any of England’s batters to play in the 2027 World Cup. This isn’t an easy wicket to bat, so England will be pretty content despite their stumbles after the blistering opening partnership.”


04:20 PM GMT

OVER 40: ENG 236/6 (Brook 70* Curran 0*)

Thomas. Brook tries to ramp the ball but cannot get anything on it. Brook cuts hard now for four. Next ball, similar shot but uppish - Athanaze stretches and gets a finger on it. Would have been a worldie.


04:16 PM GMT

OVER 39: ENG 232/6 (Brook 66* Curran 0*)

Here comes Sam Curran.


04:12 PM GMT

Livingstone lbw 17

Shepherd to Livingstone. Liam is on the back foot, hopping up and trying to play across the line to a ball that keeps low. He is hit on the pads but reviews. Well, it’s good to be optimistic, although I have to say: it’s going to be misplaced optimism. Don’t get more out than that. FOW 232/6


04:09 PM GMT

OVER 38: ENG 227/5 (Brook 61* Livingstone 17*)

England still have the personnel and time to put a big score up - and here comes Liam Livingstone and Harry Brook to try and do that very thing. 23 runs off the over, Yannic Cariah the unfortunate bowler. Brook with slog sweeps for four and six. Livingstone slams the leggie back over his head for six. Then another one - pulled this time! Alas poor Yannic.

Other than Buttler, the England men out made 45, 26, 48 and 20. Can Brook go on from here and make a match-defining contribution?


04:06 PM GMT

OVER 37: ENG 204/5 (Brook 50* Livingstone 5*)

Shepherd. Brook gives himself room and murders a six over legside. Woof. Single next ball brings up his fifty.


04:03 PM GMT

OVER 36: ENG 196/5 (Brook 43* Livingstone 4*)

Motie finishes his work, couple of wickets in his ten overs for 49. Had some punishment early on but got it back. Fielding needs work. Has taken 13/99 in a Test against Zim already in his nascent career.


03:58 PM GMT

OVER 35: ENG 193/5 (Brook 42* Livingstone 1*)

Joseph keeping the England pair pinned down.


03:56 PM GMT

OVER 34: ENG 192/5 (Brook 42* Livingstone 1*)

Poor old Jos cannot buy a run in this format. Perhaps Liam Livingstone will have a bit more luck?


03:52 PM GMT

WICKET! Buttler c Athanaze b Motie 3

Jos is gone! He tried to reverse seep, he gloved it, and Athanaze caught it on the second attempt at slip. FOW 191/5

The Buttler reboot stuck on the start line so far....


03:50 PM GMT

OVER 33: ENG 190/4 (Brook 40* Buttler 2*)

Buttler nearly drags the ball on from Joseph. Jos three runs from 12 so far, not quite looking at his brilliant best.


03:43 PM GMT

OVER 32: ENG 188/4 (Brook 40* Buttler 2*)

Motie with a one-run over.

Still ample time for England to put up a big total. 44 off the last ten overs so it’s not exactly gangbusters.

Looks jolly pleasant at North Sound. A smattering of fans, nice bit of music. Looks a bit like a County outground or maybe a Festival type vibe - I’m thinking Gloucestershire at that posh school in Cheltenham. Albeit that there is a very impressive and modern pav here.


03:42 PM GMT

OVER 31: ENG 187/4 (Brook 40* Buttler 1*)

Thomas continues, nice bit of width for Brook and he crashes through the offside.


03:40 PM GMT

OVER 30: ENG 183/4 (Brook 36* Buttler 1*)

England captain Jos Buttler comes out with 20 overs in which to guide his team to a commanding total.


03:35 PM GMT

WICKET! Crawley run out 48

Oh crikey. A good old fashioned stitch up as Crawley pushes to the off side and sets off. Might have been one there, might not’ve... but Brook sending him back absolutely cooks his goose. Brook barely leaves the crease at the non-striker’s, Athanaze swoops and ally-oops it to Hope, who has all the time in the world to dispatch Zak. FOW 181/4


03:32 PM GMT

OVER 29: ENG 180/3 (Crawley 48* Brook 34*)

Oshane Thomas back on for a new spell to Crawley. Hits him on the pads with one that keeps low, there’s an appeal for lbw but I can tell you from London SW1 that the ball was going down leg, no DRS needed for me.


03:30 PM GMT

OVER 28: ENG 178/3 (Crawley 47* Brook 33*)

Brook with a reverse sweep that is mighty close to King at slip.


03:24 PM GMT

OVER 27: ENG 170/3 (Crawley 46* Brook 26*)

Three off the Motie over.

Spin at both ends, the England middle order pottering along. It’s got a pleasingly retro feel at the moment.


03:23 PM GMT

OVER 26: ENG 167/3 (Crawley 46* Brook 23*)

Cariah continues to work away. Crawley with a swing and a miss. England still going along nicely enough.


03:19 PM GMT

OVER 25: ENG 163/3 (Crawley 44* Brook 21*)

Oh boy, more awful fielding as Keacy Carty lets a gently rolling ball through his legs at long off. Might as well have had Todd Carty down there. No offence to the Grange Hill and Eastenders legend, he might be a gun fielder for all I know.


03:15 PM GMT

OVER 24: ENG 158/3 (Crawley 43* Brook 17*)

Brook is playing some nice shots, as Brook indeed will do. Reverse sweep for four.


03:10 PM GMT

OVER 23: ENG 152/3 (Crawley 42* Brook 12*)

Shepherd finding some variable bounce. One climbs a bit, another stays low. I’d be bowling wicket to wicket here with the older ball I think. Crawley with a four.


03:09 PM GMT

OVER 22: ENG 144/3 (Crawley 35* Brook 11*)

I haven’t seen much of Yannic Cariah but he looks to have something about him. Lures Crawley forward and beats him. Then finds the edge! King cannot hold on.


03:07 PM GMT

OVER 21: ENG 141/3 (Crawley 33* Brook 10*)

Shepherd is battling back well after getting some tap early on.

Couple of balls with a suggestion of variable bounce.


03:00 PM GMT

OVER 20: ENG 137/3 (Crawley 31* Brook 8*)

Ooh, Motie with a shocker in the field. Crawley plays the big slog, top edge, and it’s dropped by the spinner Motie in the deep. That, plus the misfield earlier... Yuk.


02:58 PM GMT

OVER 19: ENG 128/3 (Crawley 24* Brook 6*)

Shepherd to Crawley, seven off the over. Four with a nicely guided cut by Crawley.


02:57 PM GMT

OVER 18: ENG 121/3 (Crawley 19* Brook 4*)

Windies have clawed this back well. Cariah with a three-run over.


02:56 PM GMT

OVER 17: ENG 118/3 (Crawley 18* Brook 2*)

Room and too short from Thomas, Crawley with a crisp cut.


02:47 PM GMT

OVER 16: ENG 110/3 (Crawley 12* Brook 0*)

Harry Brook comes in and the over is completed with two dot balls.

Tim Wigmore: “Conditions have played out more as expected after England’s opening assault. Ben Duckett was true to his word in showing off his repertoire of conventional, reverse and lap sweeps, but one such shot was his undoing when he was bowled leg stump by Yannic Cariah. Zak Crawley made his second Test century at this ground, and he’s started well, with a terrific cut off Oshane Thomas. Good to see a slip in place for Cariah - West Indies will need to continue chipping away to keep England down to an attainable target.”


02:40 PM GMT

WICKET! Duckett b Cariah 20

Duckett gets down early to lap / ramp the ball but misjudges it and is bowled. Wicket for the leggie Yannic Cariah in his first over. Duckett, who was batting like something of an amusement arcade, had reverse swept his pervious ball for four but it was one improvisation too many. FOW 110/3

and that is drinks


02:36 PM GMT

OVER 15: ENG 105/2 (Crawley 11* Duckett 16*)

Thomas gets one to lift, drawing the false shot from Duckett, who flashes the ball through cover absent control.


02:35 PM GMT

OVER 14: ENG 100/2 (Crawley 10* Duckett 12*)

Short ball from Motie is a gimme for Crawley, and he’s slapped it for a four-ie.


02:34 PM GMT

OVER 13: ENG 92/2 (Crawley 4* Duckett 11*)

Another handy over from Oshane T, one off that one as well.


02:28 PM GMT

OVER 12: ENG 91/2 (Crawley 3* Duckett 11*)

Duckett gets going with two well-made reverse shots, both of them piercing the field for four. The momentum swings back towards England with a 12-run over.


02:22 PM GMT

OVER 11: ENG 79/2 (Crawley 0* Duckett 2*)

Oshane Thomas comes on and gets through a tidy over with just one off it.


02:20 PM GMT

OVER 10: ENG 78/2 (Crawley 0* Duckett 1*)

Two new men in, then, and that changes the complexion of the game..


02:17 PM GMT

WICKET! Jacks c Hope b Joseph 26

Nicely bowled - good line and Jacks has nicked it behind. FOW 77/2

West Indies fought back with two quick wickets after England made a hot start
West Indies fought back with two quick wickets after England made a hot start - AP

02:15 PM GMT

OVER 9: ENG 77/1 (Jacks 26* Crawley 0*)

That is a welcome boost for the Windies.


02:13 PM GMT

WICKET! Salt c Carty b Motie 45

Ah shame, he was going so well. But Salt has chipped the left-arm spinner to the infield. FOW 77/1


02:10 PM GMT

OVER 8: ENG 76/0 (Salt 45* Jacks 25*)

Motie with some shocking fielding on the rope, just what you don’t need when you’re under the pump.


02:04 PM GMT

OVER 7: ENG 70/0 (Salt 44* Jacks 20*)

Gudakesh Motie comes on for an over of his slow left-armers. 11 off the over, largely down to a five wides when Jacks goes to sweep and Hope cannot get across.

Tim Wigmore writes: “Crisis, what crisis? Blistering start from the new - and both uncontracted - opening pair: orthodoxy, power and timing combining to help England rattle along at ten runs an over so far. Phil Salt has already hit three sixes, but his nonchalant push for four through the covers for four from Romario Shepherd might just be the shot of the morning so far. Jacks launching his seventh ball, from Alzarri Joseph, over extra cover for six was equally imperious.”


02:02 PM GMT

OVER 6: ENG 59/0 (Salt 42* Jacks 16*)

Oof, England continue to rain blows down upon the West Indies bowling. Phil Salt has taken a real shine to Shepherd: four through the offside, a six over midwicket, and then another four to the offside.

Shepherd’s three overs have gone for 34.


01:55 PM GMT

OVER 5: ENG 43/0 (Salt 26* Jacks 16*)

These two are playing really well. The shot selection has been good and the execution, too.


01:49 PM GMT

OVER 4: ENG 32/0 (Salt 20* Jacks 12*)

Shepherd to Jacks. Cracked through point. This pitch looks a decent batting prospect so far. Salt has a six through midwicket, Jacks four through midwicket.


01:47 PM GMT

OVER 3: ENG 25/0 (Salt 18* Jacks 7*)

Will Jacks with a glorious lofted six through extra cover, a very Caribbean sort of a stroke you might say. The only score off the over, however.


01:42 PM GMT

OVER 2: ENG 19/0 (Salt 18* Jacks 1*)

Romario Shepherd from the other end. Salt with a classy pull  for six, just a pick up shot really. Then a lovely stroke as he leans on one and sends it purring to the offside fence.


01:37 PM GMT

OVER 1: ENG 8/0 (Salt 8* Jacks 0*)

Joseph starts with a couple of in-duckers, the first of which takes the inside edge, drawing a brief “oooo” from the fielders. Salt lines up a nice shot to a full length ball for four down the ground and then helps another one on the way to leg for a second boundary. Some lateral movement but early signs that the pitch is true.


01:31 PM GMT

England's openers

are ready. Phil Salt and Will Jacks. Alzarri Joseph has the new ball and will bowl it from the Sir Andy Roberts End.


01:30 PM GMT

Good news!

David Gower in on TNT commentary. Samuel Badree is with him.


01:29 PM GMT

So both sides

in an experimental/rebuild phase. Also being trialed for this series is a new rule that is intended to speed up play.

The International Cricket Council are trialling the stop clock in both ODIs and T20s, which will allow teams a minute to move between overs. If they fail to be ready to bowl the first ball of the next over three times in an innings, five penalty runs will be added.

“The clock will be used to regulate the amount of time taken between overs,” the ICC said in a media release. “If the bowling team is not ready to bowl the next over within 60 seconds of the previous over being completed, a five-run penalty will be imposed the third time it happens in an innings.”

‘Stop clock’ between overs introduced to speed up international white-ball matches


01:26 PM GMT

Windies skip

Shai Hope says he would have bowled so he’s happy enough.

“We have to take every game seriously and we know there are points to play for. We are looking ahead to the next World Cup in some ways but we are focused on this series.”

Stirring stuff as I am sure you will agree!


01:23 PM GMT

England have won the toss

and will have a bat first.

England captain Jos Buttler, via TNT Sports: “Pretty good wicket. We think it will stay the same through the 100 overs so we want to make first use of it with the bat.

“It is a really exciting series for us. We have lots of guys new to the ODI scene eager for their opportunity. There’s so much talent in the group so lots to look forward to.

“We want to be really positive, play on the front foot. Be able to adapt when the conditions require and have a lot of fun doing it.

“The unlucky guys who aren’t playing today are Ollie Pope, Tom Hartley, Matty Potts and John Turner.”

Here are the teams...

England: Will Jacks, Phil Salt, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, Jos Buttler (capt/wk), Liam Livingstone, Sam Curran, Brydon Carse, Rehan Ahmed, Gus Atkinson.

West Indies: Brandon King, Alick Athanaze, Keacy Carty, Shai Hope (capt/wk), Shimron Hetmyer, Sherfane Rutherford, Romario Shepherd, Yannic Cariah, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Oshane Thomas.

England's captain Jos Buttler, left, and teammates line up
England's captain Jos Buttler, left, and teammates line up - AP

01:16 PM GMT

The past the future

At the risk of this blog turning into a Tim Wigmore stan account, here’s an excellent piece from our man with a hanky on a head and a cooling ginger beer...


01:12 PM GMT

Tim Wigmore writes

“Morning from Antigua on another glorious day (though we might have a brief shower later); fair to say the press pack have been enjoying the reports of the weather back home.

“England’s XI is as expected - Liam Livingstone and Will Jacks will share 10 overs as the fifth bowler. Jacks has been promised the series opening - shades of England’s backing of Alex Hales and Jason Roy in the rebuild after the 2015 World Cup.

“But the pitch will offer notable spin and there could be seam movement early on with the 9.30am start too - 250 could be a good score. Expect a game that feels more like a classic ODI than an elongated T20.”


01:11 PM GMT

The match is on TNT Sport

Sir Alastair Cook on pundit duty, with Ottis Gibson.

Sam Curran - West Indies vs England live: Score and latest updates from the first ODI
Sam Curran may struggle to find much assistance for his bowling on the modern West Indian pitches - Getty Images/Ashley Allen

01:00 PM GMT

Here's Tim at the ground


12:27 PM GMT

England ODI coming up

Good afternoon, Tyers here, I hope you are having a peaceful and/or enjoyable Sunday, and thank you for joining us for this live blog of the one-day international match between West Indies and England in Antigua. The match at North Sound starts at 1.30pm and it’s an important opportunity for England to get their 50-over show back on the road after a pretty ordinary showing in the recent World Cup. Could be worse, mind you: West Indies failed even to qualify for the tournament.

Here is Tim Wigmore with some thoughts and some quotes from England’s Jos Buttler.

Jos Buttler will aim to give more attention to his batting and keeping during England’s white-ball tour of the Caribbean, after admitting that he found it hard to devote enough time to his personal performance during the World Cup.

“That’s a big learning for me - managing my own game is vital to the team and just finding different ways to do that to allow me to walk out in the middle with a clear mind,” said the England white-ball captain. “How I manage my time, I think it’s something I’d done really well up until that point in that World Cup.”

Buttler is trying “to find the right time and balance things out with my own game,” he explained. “Something I’ve always wanted to do in my career is strive for balance. Naturally, as captain, you take on extra responsibility, you’ve got more stuff to do deal with but I’ve enjoyed that.”

Phil Salt and Will Jacks will open the batting together. Buttler rejected suggestions that he could open the batting - a role he has performed to great effect in T20 internationals, where he averages 49.2 as opener, but has never done in ODIs.

“I have played nearly 180 ODIs and I have had great success in the middle order. It’s been my superstrength in this format of the game and  I want to nail down on that even more.”

The England captain said that the poor World Cup defence had only increased his determination for the rest of his international career.

“I’ve got to use it as motivation and hunger to push myself and the team forward and take the learnings from that - use it as a positive experience to go into the rest of my career.”

“We have had one bad tournament. It’s been in a great place for a long time and you see the depth of talent of guys coming through and you want to help shape that period of white ball cricket. That’s something I feel responsibility and motivation for and individually I am always incredibly motivated to perform the best I can and reach my potential. Any time that you get challenged and get pushed back and people challenge that sort of thing it’s certainly lights a few fires and motivates you.”

With only five members of England’s World Cup squad - plus Brydon Carse, who was a replacement player - in the ODI squad, Buttler said it felt like a fresh start for the side.

“It’s certainly a bit of a new beginning. There’s some really exciting talent in this team - young guys eager to get their opportunities and perform.”

Despite the change in personnel and poor World Cup campaign, Buttler will give “very similar messages,” to the squad - retaining the aggressive approach that served England well from 2015-22 while emphasising the need to be adaptable too.

“You want to reinforce the way we want to play. Still a very positive and aggressive style of cricket but within that there is always a framework to move up and down gears, and give some guys some role clarity of where that fit into this team and the roles we want them to play.”

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