England secures a 3-1 T20 series win over West Indies despite rain affecting the final match.©(@ESPNcricinfo)
St. Lucia, Nov 18 – England celebrated a 3-1 T20 series victory over the West Indies after the final match of their white-ball tour was abandoned due to persistent rain. The fifth T20 International played in St. Lucia, was curtailed after just five overs, with the West Indies reaching 44 for no loss before torrential downpours ruled out any chance of further play.
The weather had been a recurring threat throughout the tour, with rain frequently falling before or after matches. However, this was the first game to be abandoned entirely during England’s eight-match Caribbean campaign. Despite these challenges, England secured a hard-fought series win, marking their first away T20 series victory in over two years.
Conditions during the series proved a significant factor, with 4 pm start times presenting a clear disadvantage to teams batting first. The afternoon sun made the wicket challenging early in the innings, while the evening dew improved batting conditions and made the ball slippery for bowlers. Toss-winning sides capitalized on these dynamics, with every match in the series going to the team that won the toss.
Captain Jos Buttler expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, emphasizing the collective effort that went into the victory. “Pleased,” Buttler said. “I think everyone’s put in a lot to the team behind the scenes, and getting the results on the field was also really pleasing. Many players have stood up at different moments throughout the series, which you need in T20 cricket. Saqib Mahmood is back in an England shirt and is a Player of the series, which is an incredible effort.”
Fast bowler Saqib Mahmood emerged as one of the standout performers of the series, taking nine wickets in four matches to claim the Player of the Series award. Mahmood’s return to the England squad showcased his ability to deliver under pressure and added depth to the team’s bowling attack.
The series also marked a period of transition in England’s coaching setup. Interim head coach Marcus Trescothick led the white-ball team during the tour. At the same time, Brendon McCullum is set to assume his new role as England’s all-format head coach during the upcoming white-ball tour of India in January.
Meanwhile, white-ball coaches Richard Dawson and Carl Hopkinson announced their departure from the team. Hopkinson, who joined the setup in 2019, and Dawson, who arrived ahead of the 2022 T20 World Cup, were praised for their significant contributions. “They’ve had huge contributions,” Buttler said. “I know I speak on behalf of all the players to say how grateful we are for all the hard work that they’ve put in.”
The series victory signals a promising start to England’s latest white-ball cricket chapter. With solid performances from key players and a revamped coaching structure on the horizon, the team is well-positioned for upcoming challenges. England will next tour India in January, where McCullum’s leadership across all formats is expected to shape the team’s future direction.
