Hope six seals 3-2 win for WI after Motie keeps lid on England
Something brewing in the Caribbean as Windies win third T20I series under Rovman Powell's captaincy
Something brewing in the Caribbean as Windies win third T20I series under Rovman Powell's captaincy
Scorer: Binoy George | Commentator: Andrew Miller
7.35pm And for the third time this year, West Indies clinch a T20I series on home soil. It's been a fantastic campaign, and a wonderful marker ahead of the World Cup next year. For England, much to ponder. They had high hopes after their fightback in mid-series, but they came a cropper today. Clearly there's plenty to work with in this squad, but the defending champions will need to find some consistency before June.
And with that, it's a wrap from England in 2023. It's been a remarkable year, with Bazball highs and World Cup lows, and strange T20 fluctuations in between. Make of it what you will. From Miller, Alan, Matt, Valkerie, Vish, Paul and the UK team, plus Binoy and the scorers, thanks and goodnight, and Merry Christmas one and all!
7.26pm Here's the presentations.
The Player of the Match is Gudakesh Motie... 3 for 24 in England's innings: "I know my ability, the pitch was assisting, put the ball in the right area. It was important to hit my length. I've been working on it over the years and I see it as my strength. It's my second series, means a lot to me, total team effort."
The Player of the Series is Phil Salt, after 331 runs at 185 strike-rate. "Disappointing to come out on the wrong side, but we'll be better for the coming months. I feel good at the minute, learning off Jos, keep trying to take in as much as I can. It's been a challenge, a lot more on the toss in this part of the world. A big part of the game. You've always got more time than you think."
Jos Buttler: "Conditions were different, didn't adapt quickly enough. 160 would have been good. A really good effort with the ball. Salt's had a fantastic series, back to back hundreds, found out lots about ourselves, take the learnings and try to improve. The breeze plays a big part here, big premium on six-hitting, had a great time coming here to the Caribbean."
Rovman Powell: "Special thanks to the people of Trinidad and Tobago. Spent some time yesterday having meetings, still a good bowling team. Losing wickets at a key time but Shai Hope was the key man, grafting in the middle order. Served our batting group well. Credit to the groundsmen across the Caribbean. Credit to them, hats off, they did fantastic. We found players standing up and in good teams that happens. I have a good bunch of guys around me, they respect me and trust my judgment. I try to lead and the guys follow."
7.15pm Well, what a series that was! England's 132 was significantly below par, but they fought and fought and took it as deep as they could. Adil Rashid was magnificent, as was Reece Topley, while Sam Curran's final over was superb. But Shai Hope's run-a-ball 43 did the needful, with Sherfane Rutherford and Johnson Charles chipping in with useful hands. It's a marker laid down by the hosts for the 2024 World Cup, that's for sure!
Rahul: "Well, if you put this in VERY simple words - England didn't bat out 4 deliveries - about the SAME as what WI have left. Sums up?"
Very fitting that the series was sealed with a six too... it's been the theme of these five games... 120 in five matches! Gosh
JaySav: "Wow, clutch 19th over Curran (1 for 2) comes to naught. Looked like he almost dragged England back into it, but they were always behind."
Drew: "@Rahul the reason England didn't face those 4 deliveries is because they were all out. WI finished 6 down. Hence the 4 wicket win. It is the 4 wickets that made the difference."
Simon Dedman : "I'd like to pre register "it's the hope that kills you" if Shai does indeed drag the the Windies over the line "
David: "If this match were a reggae legend it would be called Bob Gnarly. "
Well, it's a shot to nothing for Holder you suspect. Connect here, and the game is broken. Miss, and it's all on Hope for the final over
AD Russell c Livingstone b Curran 3 (12m 8b 0x4 0x6) SR: 37.50
Curran calls for a rag to dry the ball, it's slippery out there now
Aby Mathew : "Is there any chance windies could mess this chase up ?" There's always a chance
Captain says his team "found out some really good things" ahead of T20 World Cup defence next year
The sixes rained and Phil Salt reigned, but England still lost 3-2 in their Caribbean T20I encounter. Alan, Miller and Matt got together for the series debrief
Allrounder says winning his comeback series against England felt like winning a championship
England lost five out of eight matches in the Caribbean, including both deciders - the tour wasn't a disaster, but fact is that they won very little
Something brewing in the Caribbean as Windies win third T20I series under Rovman Powell's captaincy