ICC World T20 2016:West Indies vs England- 5 key battles
England and West Indies square off in a league game of the ICC World T20 2016 at the Wankhede Stadium, MumbaiThe third match of the ICC World T20 2016 would be held between West Indies and England at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on March 16.However, both teams come into this tournament with very little match practice as far as T20 cricket is concerned. While England played 2 T20I against South Africa, West Indies havent had a T20I series against any of the top 8 T20 sides in the recent past.That, although, doesnt take the sheen away from the match-winners present on both sides, who in themselves are capable to turning the match on its head.West Indies have Chris Gayle, Darren Sammy, Dwayne Bravo, and Andre Russell as T20 stalwarts, England have Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Joe Root, and Alex Hales. The English bowling looks slightly inexperienced, due to their lack of participation in the IPL.David Willey, Reece Topley et al havent played many international games in India as opposed to their West Indian counterparts in Bravo, Russell, Sammy etc.Let us have a look at 5 key battles that might define the course of the match.
#1 Chris Gayle vs David Willey
West Indies’ hopes have often relied upon their ball-smacking bully at the top of the order, Chris Gayle. If Gayle gets going, especially on a belter of a track at the Wankhede, the English might find themselves staring at a target in excess of 200.
However, perhaps their youngest, the most penetrating, and the most aggressive fast bowler, David Willey, would love to take the onus upon himself to dismiss the West Indian opener.
The best chance that the English have of dismissing Gayle is early on in the innings when the ball is new and offers some movement, and Willey would look to leave no stones unturned in that regard.