England were left to bemoan another squandered fast start as the West Indies fought back to claim victory in the opening T20 in Barbados.
Back at the top of the order, captain Jos Buttler flew out of the traps alongside Phil Salt, as England reached 77 without loss at the end of the powerplay and then 112 for two at the halfway stage.
Salt, who made 40 from just 20 deliveries, had been England’s powerplay aggressor during the ODI leg of the tour, but the team’s collective habit of failing to capitalise reared its head again as they were bowled out for 171.
Carried home by some powerful hitting from Rovman Powell and Andre Russell, the hosts chased their target with four wickets and 11 balls to spare.
“From the position we were in at halfway, to only end up with 170 is an area we could have improved in,” Buttler said, after his 39 from 31 balls. “The wicket definitely got harder and the West Indies adapted.
“They hit a lot of sixes as a team, that’s something that is a trademark of their side and we’ve got to find ways to limit that. Obviously, the swing in the game with sixes is so big. But we need to find a way to score 20-25 more runs in that phase, which would have been a really good score on that wicket.”
As during their 2-1 ODI series defeat, England’s spinners provided the highlight of their bowling effort, in a major positive ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup defence in the same part of the world.
Teenager Rehan Ahmed continued his fine tour with three wickets, while Adil Rashid returned to action for the first time since the 50-over World Cup to claim two, taking his T20i career tally into three figures on the occasion of his 100th cap.
“It was great to see them operate together,” Buttler added. “We need to find out if it’s an option here before we get to the World Cup. [Rashid] was class again. He’s been a key player for England for such a long period of time. To reach 100 caps shows his longevity, his skill. He’s been such an important member of our team.”
Despite having failed to qualify for the 50-over World Cup, West Indies will have designs on going deep into next year’s T20 equivalent on home soil and their build-up has been boosted by the return of Russell. The all-rounder has long been one of the most explosive players on the franchise circuit and marked his first international appearance in two years with figures of three for 19 to go with 29 from 14 deliveries with the bat.
“I still have a lot left in the tank, but based on discussions with the coach I told him that after the World Cup I would walk away from international cricket,” the 35-year-old said.
“But if they need me, I will come out of retirement, I would be willing to put in the hard yards for them. I always want to play for West Indies.
“Sometimes people might think it’s all about playing leagues and all of those things, but I try to make sure that I look after my body and make sure that when this call up is here, I’m ready.”
