ICC World T20 2016:West Indies vs England- 5 key battles

England and West Indies square off in a league game of the ICC World T20 2016 at the Wankhede Stadium, MumbaiThe third match of the ICC World T20 2016 would be held between West Indies and England at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on March 16.However, both teams come into this tournament with very little match practice as far as T20 cricket is concerned. While England played 2 T20I against South Africa, West Indies havent had a T20I series against any of the top 8 T20 sides in the recent past.That, although, doesnt take the sheen away from the match-winners present on both sides, who in themselves are capable to turning the match on its head.West Indies have Chris Gayle, Darren Sammy, Dwayne Bravo, and Andre Russell as T20 stalwarts, England have Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Joe Root, and Alex Hales. The English bowling looks slightly inexperienced, due to their lack of participation in the IPL.David Willey, Reece Topley et al havent played many international games in India as opposed to their West Indian counterparts in Bravo, Russell, Sammy etc.Let us have a look at 5 key battles that might define the course of the match.

#1 Chris Gayle vs David Willey

Chris Gayle would be the first roadblock for England in their opening World T20 clash

West Indies’ hopes have often relied upon their ball-smacking bully at the top of the order, Chris Gayle. If Gayle gets going, especially on a belter of a track at the Wankhede, the English might find themselves staring at a target in excess of 200.

However, perhaps their youngest, the most penetrating, and the most aggressive fast bowler, David Willey, would love to take the onus upon himself to dismiss the West Indian opener.

The best chance that the English have of dismissing Gayle is early on in the innings when the ball is new and offers some movement, and Willey would look to leave no stones unturned in that regard.

#2 Andre Russell vs Adil Rashid

Andre Russell would have tackle spin effectively on these Indian tracks

Another big hitter, in the West Indian squad, that seemingly has as many batsmen as bowlers, is Andre Russell. His big hitting skills were on display during the Big Bash League recently, and in the IPL over the years.

A finisher, who is also capable of taking the new ball and taking wickets with it would be a big thorn in the path between England and a probable victory.

However, despite his prowess against the fast bowlers, Russell has often been found wanting against the turning ball, especially the one that turns away from him.

In this regard, perhaps England’s most effective spinner, Adil Rashid can come in handy with his leg-breaks as well as the variations and can pose a big challenge for the hard-hitting West Indian.

#3 Ben Stokes vs Dwayne Bravo

Bravo’s all-round capabilities might come in handy for the Caribbeans

Two of the best all-rounders in world cricket right now would be facing each other in today’s contest as Dwayne Bravo and Ben Stokes would look to outplay one another both with the bat, as well as, with the ball.

Stokes’ big-hitting capabilities came to the fore during England’s recently concluded tour of South Africa wherein he smashed a breathtaking double-hundred in the second Test, and followed it with some hard-hitting cameos in the ODI series as well.

Bravo, on the other hand, despite his lack of match practice, has played enough T20 cricket around the globe and throughout his career to negate any sort of niggles or cramps and would be raring to go as far as the World T20 is concerned.

Both these players have the ability to excel with the bat and with the ball, and it would be interesting to see as to who comes out on top if and when they face each other.

#4 Jos Buttler vs Samuel Badree

Jos Buttler’s terrific run of late has been a huge bonus for England

Jos Buttler has been a revelation of sorts for England, as far as limited-overs cricket is concerned. His hundred hitting capabilities in ODIs have been seen by everyone during England’s tour of the UAE, as well as during the tour of South Africa.

With all of his hundreds coming at strike-rate of better than run-a-ball, Buttle poses a huge threat to the West Indies team.

But, as has been case with all the European batsmen, playing spin might become an issue for Buttler too, especially the ball turning away from him and West Indies’ ace spinner in the squad, after the departure of Suni Narine, Samuel Badree, would look to exploit this weakness.

Badree had a good run in the recently concluded Big Bash League in Australia and would look to do the same in more friendly conditions in India.

#5 Alex Hales vs Darren Sammy

Alex Hales would look to provide England with a decent start along with Jason Roy

Another English batsman who has been hitting the ball cleanly of late has been the opener Alex Hales, who scored a terrific hundred in the ODI series against South Africa as well.

Together with Jason Roy, Hales has often been successful in providing England with a decent start up front, something on which the middle-order comprising of Buttler, Stokes et al has substantiated upon.

The West Indian captain, Darren Sammy, who hit a match-winning fifty against Australia in West Indies’ warm-up game is pretty good with the ball as well, and with his variations of line, length and pace might be good enough to deceive the English opener and get West Indies an early breakthrough inside the powerplays.

If that happens, West Indies might as well have an upper hand in the game. This would surely be a contest to look out for.