It’s evenly poised as West Indies and England head into tomorrow’s fourth ODI, with both sides keen to take an advantage into the final match of the series.
After Monday’s ODI was abandoned without a ball bowled due to the weather and with the series level at 1-1, our cricket betting expert previews the fourth contest and picks out the best bets.
England have it all to do
With the ODI series still up for grabs, it’s the wet weather and a blow to their confidence that could be the biggest tests for England. Their composure has taken a hit, as has their star man Ben Stokes who was omitted from the washed-out third ODI line-up after picking up an ankle injury.
The Windies are 9/5 to win tomorrow having begun the series as the overwhelming outsiders. There were also serious doubts about their wicket-taking ability, but with Sheldon Cottrell destroying England in game two and with the likes of Jason Holder as well as the recalled Andre Russell, it’s a different situation now.
Russell’s return is key. The all-rounder is a game-changer and is as destructive as they come with the bat. While he is another genuine wicket-taking option for Holder, meaning the Windies look a really well-balanced side going into this one.
Stokes and Rashid the key to England’s chances
England are still 2/5 to regain the lead but Stokes would be a big miss as England’s second-most economical bowler in the series and, with four wickets, he is also their joint-top wicket-taker alongside Adil Rashid.
Coach Trevor Bayliss said he would be surprised if Stokes did not play but, either way, Rashid as England’s top bowler is worth supporting at 7/2.
And if Stokes does not make it, his place would go to Alex Hales. Hales is an opening batsman by trade, so by dropping down the order, there must be question marks as to how this will affect the settled batting order England have developed over the past 12 months.
Speaking of batsman, it’s Jonny Bairstow available at 7/2, who gets the nod to be England’s top run scorer. The Yorkshireman failed in the second ODI, but looked in great touch in the first and is fancied to get his side off to a flyer in Grenada.
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