England Extend Lead Over West Indies In ODI Series

The Ageas Bowl will host the fifth and final Royal London One-Day international of the Royal London One-Day International Series between England and the West Indies on Friday 29th September.

Eoin Morgan’s side are currently 2-0 ahead with two games to play, so this week’s finale could be a series decider for the visitors, who must win their remaining two games to level the series.

Here's how the series has gone so far:

1^st ODI – Tuesday 19^th September – Emirates Old Trafford – England Won By 7 Wickets

Jonny Bairstow hit an unbeaten century as England began the series with a convincing seven wicket victory at Old Trafford, getting over the line with more than 11 overs to spare.

After the game was reduced to 42 overs per side due to inclement weather, West Indies captain Jason Holder (41*) led from the front with a crucial innings as the visitors posted 204-9, with Ben Stokes (3-43) the pick of the bowlers.

In reply, Bairstow (100*) took his opportunity at the top of the order with both hands by scoring his maiden ODI century. Yorkshire team-mate Joe Root (54) was also in the runs as England eased to victory, despite a couple of wickets from seamer Kesrick Williams (2-50).

2^nd ODI – Thursday 21^st September – Trent Bridge – Match Abandoned

Heavy rain forced the second one-day international of the series to be abandoned as England maintained their lead.

Just 2.2 overs were possible before the weather took a turn for the worse, with England motoring along to 21-0, but that was the last action on the pitch as persistent rain ended any hopes of play.

3^rd ODI – Sunday 24^th September – The County Ground, Bristol – England Won By 124 Runs

Moeen Ali smashed a magnificent century as England further extended their lead with a comfortable 124-run victory against the West Indies at Bristol.

Ali (102) recorded 15 boundaries in a sublime 57-ball innings for his third ODI hundred, with 63 runs coming off the final 19 balls of his innings as the hosts powered to 369-9 at the halfway stage.

There were also half-centuries from the reliable Joe Root (84) and Ben Stokes (73), whilst West Indian paceman Miguel Cummins (3-82) took the wickets at regular intervals.

In reply, Chris Gayle (94) looked as destructive as ever, matching Ali’s boundary count, but when the opener was run out just short of a deserved three-figures, the visitors fell away and were dismissed for 245, with Liam Plunkett (5-52) picking up his maiden ODI five-wicket haul.

West Indies will look to claw the momentum back in their favour, whilst England will be looking to seal the series in the fourth ODI at the Oval on Wednesday 27 September.

The summer of English Cricket will then come to a close at the The Ageas Bowl on Friday 29^th September, and tickets are still available - secure yours via the link below.