England v West Indies 1st ODI Preview and Live

An impressive win in the Test series by England would motivate the hosts to excel further when they take on West Indies in the three-match ODI series, starting on Saturday at the Rose Bowl.

The visitors, in the meanwhile, will be hoping for better results as they move to a format that they have been more comfortable with.

England will be led by Alastair Cook as they continue their policy of having different captains for each format. His track record looks impressive, including a series whitewash over Pakistan in UAE earlier this year.

His own form was pivotal in that triumph as he scored two centuries and will be looking to showcase the same instrumental form here. One change for his side though will be to cope with the loss of Kevin Pietersen who announced his retirement from the international limited overs format.

Andy Flower, the team coach, has however sounded optimistic that his place can be taken up by the likes of Jonny Bairstow and Ravi Bopara. James Anderson is back in the squad as well after being rested for the third Test match.

Their opponents, West Indies, will be hoping that a change in formats brings about a change in fortunes as well.

The resources to achieve that task look good as Chris Gayle returns to the team after almost a year, having resolved his differences with the West Indies Cricket Board.

In addition, the likes of Dwayne Bravo, Keiron Pollard and Dwayne Smith make the middle-order look strong while Darren Bravo also scored a century in the warm up match against Middlesex. Sunil Narine’s presence in the bowling unit provides a trump card following his successful stint in the Indian Premier League.

The match will be played at the Rose Bowl in Southampton, a ground where England have not lost in more than five years. The match starts at 10.45am.