England’s recent bilateral ODI series win since 2023 has provided significant momentum for Harry Brook’s leadership and Brendon McCullum’s white-ball coaching tenure. The series victory, sealed by Joe Root’s magnificent unbeaten 166 in Cardiff, marks a positive turn after a previously inconsistent start for the new-look white-ball setup.

While England’s crushing victory at Edgbaston saw a lackluster West Indies performance, the second ODI in Cardiff, despite a far-from-perfect showing from England, provided even greater satisfaction. West Indies capitalized on fielding sloppiness, with Keacy Carty’s third hundred in four ODIs and Alzarri Joseph’s incisive bowling putting England under pressure. England’s chase of 309 was in peril at 2 for 2 and later at 133 for 5, but Root’s masterclass, aided by missed run-out opportunities and DRS luck, ultimately secured the win, alleviating some of his “guilt” about the team’s slide under former captain Jos Buttler.

As both teams look towards the 2027 World Cup, the final game of the series, despite a forecast of heavy rain in south London on Tuesday, carries significant weight. England, currently ranked eighth in the ICC, has extended its lead over ninth-placed West Indies from three to nine points. A 3-0 series defeat for Daren Sammy’s side, especially after a 1-1 draw with Ireland, would leave them precariously positioned alongside Bangladesh in the race for automatic World Cup qualification. Sammy previously emphasized the importance of every ODI game until the qualification deadline, given West Indies’ absence from the last two ICC 50-over tournaments. Securing their first ODI win in England since 2007 would be a timely boost.

Several English batsmen, including Root and Jacob Bethell, have starred in the series. However, the consistent importance of Saqib Mahmood to England’s bowling attack cannot be overstated. He disrupted West Indies with the new ball in the first game and contained them at the death in the second, making him the joint-leading wicket-taker with six at an average of 11.50 and an economy rate of 4.14. This impressive form continues from his strong T20I showing in the Caribbean, ensuring Jofra Archer’s absence has not been felt.

For West Indies, Shai Hope has maintained high standards since taking over as ODI captain, averaging 52.46 in charge (compared to his career mark of 49.75). His 78 off 66 balls in Cardiff highlighted his crucial role. However, this tour, including the defeat to Ireland, suggests a step backward for West Indies after improvements in 2024, partly due to IPL rescheduling impacting selection. This comes as Hope’s workload is set to increase with his recent appointment as T20I captain.

Team News:

England is likely to maintain their winning combination, though Luke Wood could be brought in for his first ODI in two years to manage fast bowler workload.

England (Possible XI): 1 Jamie Smith, 2 Ben Duckett, 3 Joe Root, 4 Harry Brook (capt), 5 Jos Buttler (wk), 6 Jacob Bethell, 7 Will Jacks, 8 Brydon Carse, 9 Adil Rashid, 10 Matthew Potts, 11 Saqib Mahmood

West Indies will see the addition of Sherfane Rutherford, who has traveled from India after Gujarat Titans’ IPL playoff elimination and could directly slot into the middle order. There is uncertainty regarding Evin Lewis’s fitness to return at opener after a groin injury before the first ODI, as West Indies did not train on Monday.

West Indies (Possible XI): 1 Brandon King, 2 Evin Lewis/Jewel Andrew, 3 Keacy Carty, 4 Shai Hope (capt & wk), 5 Shimron Hetmyer/Sherfane Rutherford, 6 Justin Greaves, 7 Roston Chase, 8 Matthew Forde, 9 Alzarri Joseph, 10 Gudakesh Motie, 11 Jayden Seales