WI vs Eng, 1st T20: Dream11 Prediction, Playing XI Updates & Fantasy Cricket Tips - March 6th, 2019

After entertaining Test and ODI series, the action now moves to the shortest format as West Indies host England in a three match series, with the first match set to be held in St. Lucia on Wednesday.

While the English have rested some of their senior players after a long and tiresome tour, West Indies have stuck with the same set of players as part of their World Cup preparations.

West Indies head into this match as the firm favourites with the format suiting their skill-sets as well although England's young brigade should prove to be a stern test for the World Champions.

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Squads to choose from:

West Indies:

Jason Holder(C), Chris Gayle, John Campbell, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope, Darren Bravo, Nicolas Pooran, Carlos Brathwaithe, Fabian Allen, Ashley Nurse, Sheldon Cottrell, Oshane Thomas, Devendra Bishoo.

England:

Eoin Morgan(C), Alex Hales, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Denly, Dawid Malan, Sam Billings, Sam Curran, Tom Curran, Liam Plunkett, David Willey, Adil Rashid, Mark Wood, Chris Jordan, Joe Root

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Playing XI Updates:

West Indies:

No changes are expected of the triumphant Windies side from the fifth ODI with Chris Gayle and John Campbell opening the batting once again. The presence of Shimron Hetmyer and Darren Bravo in the middle order is imperative with their ability to clear the ropes at will.

Jason Holder leads the T20 side with regular captain, Carlos Brathwaithe stepping down for this series only. Devendra Bishoo hasn't been quite effective and could be replaced with Fabian Allen to add more depth in the batting order.

Possible XI: Gayle, Campbell, Hope(WK), Hetmyer, Bravo, Holder, Brathwaithe, Allen/Bishoo, Nurse, Oshane and Cottrell.

England:

Alex Hales and Jonny Bairstow should open the batting for the English while the likes of Sam Billings, Joe Root and Eoin Morgan fill up the remaining spots. Joe Denly was the star of the show in England's last T20 match in Sri Lanka and should play in the top order as well. Adil Rashid is a confirmed starter while the Curran brothers could partner Chris Jordan and Mark Wood.

Possible XI: Hales, Bairstow (WK), Malan, Billings, Morgan(C), Denly, Tom Curran, Sam Curran, Jordan, Rashid and Wood.

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Match Details:

West Indies vs England, 1st T20

6th March 2019, 1:30 AM IST

Darren Sammy National Cricket Stadium, Gros Islet, St. Lucia

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Pitch Report:

Oshane Thomas ran riot with a fifer to his name in the fifth ODI, held at the same venue itself, indicating favourable conditions for the seamers. The powerplay overs are going to be crucial with Chris Gayle proving the same in his whirlwind knock. A lot of short-pitch stuff is on the menu for the first T20 with the likes of Mark Wood and Sheldon Cottrell set to serve fast and sharp bouncers early on.

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Fantasy Tips and Suggestions:

Wicket-keeper: Both Sam Billings and Shai Hope are great options to have with their wide array of shots. Sam Billings might be the designated finisher for England, which directs the attention to Shai Hope, who hasn't been in the best of forms in the shorter formats. Expect both keepers to score some runs on Wednesday.

Batsmen: Chris Gayle and Shimron Hetmyer are the preferred options from the Windies while Alex Hales has been in terrific form in the shortest format with a hundred to his name for the Rangpur Riders as well. One of Jonny Bairstow or Eoin Morgan would suffice to complete the batting department.

All-rounders: Jason Holder, Carlos Brathwaite and Joe Denly are the preferred options in the all-rounders department although the likes of Tom Curran and Sam Curran could also slot in for either of the aforementioned trio.

Bowlers: Adil Rashid and Oshane Thomas are must have players in the side with their skill-set perfect for the shorter format. Mark Wood was impressive in the ODI series and could be picked ahead of Chris Jordan.

Captain: Alex Hales and Joe Denly are the preferred options for captain while the likes of Shimron Hetmyer and Chris Gayle are also in contention with their ultra-attacking style of play.

Fantasy Suggestion #1: Shai Hope(WK), Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Eoin Morgan, Alex Hales, Jason Holder, Carlos Brathwaite, Joe Denly, Adil Rashid, Chris Jordan and Oshane Thomas. Captain: Alex Hales

Fantasy Suggestion #2: Shai Hope(WK), Eoin Morgan, Alex Hales, Chris Gayle, Shimron Hetmyer, Carlos Brathwaite, Joe Denly, Tom Curran, Adil Rashid, Oshane Thomas and Mark Wood. Captain: Shimron Hetmyer