England run into Windies

All-rounder Darren Sammy did the rescue act for the West Indies in their opening match against Ireland with a 17-ball 30 but the rest of the batsmen came a cropper and that would be a major worry for the hosts.

Sans big-hitting skipper Chris Gayle, the Windies managed to pull off a 70-run win against Ireland but even the comprehensive margin of victory could not hide their batting frailties against the minnows.

George Dockrell, a 17-year-old spinner, managed to rattle a line-up that boasts of Twenty20 big-hitters like Dwayne Bravo and Kieron Pollard, and West Indies cannot afford to repeat the same mistakes against England.

The hosts showed more purpose while defending the total against Ireland, but Sammy, Ravi Rampaul, Bravo and Kemar Roach will face a tougher test against Paul Collingwood and his men, who open their Group D campaign on Monday.
Kevin Pietersen’s return to form in the recent Indian Premier League would be reassuring for his team, which will also expect the talented Eoin Morgan to  live up to the expectations.
Chasing or setting a target, a lot will also depend on what kind of start they get from Craig Kieswetter and Michael Lumb.

In the bowling department, off-spinner Graeme Swann will play a key role with his natural guile and characteristic spunk that make him such a valued member of the side.
The sluggishness of the Providence stadium pitch means England will be tempted to field Michael Yardy as well, especially after the 29-year-old impressed with his slow left-arm spinners.

Both Swann and Yardy have done well in the warm-up matches, prompting Pietersen to say that the spin duo can take the team ‘a long way’.