Westindies were dominated by England from the point the won the toss, The bowlers hit the right line and length, Windies batsmen were enabled to hit the ball. Gayle has shown the intent but could not hang him self for long at crease. There was a collapse until Hetmyer and Pooran had a good partnership between to studied the ship.
The Joe root manages to broke the partnership and then the scoring stopped.
England had Injure concern but still manage to win the game with a brilliant opening partnership of Root and Bairstow. Root finished with a hundred which was a man of the match performance, he also grabbed 2 important wickets. Chris Woakes walk out at number 3 and scored 40 to help the English team to cross the line and also to build his confidence level.
Jason Holder:
“I don’t think we put enough runs on the board. We needed one or two more partnerships. The toss was very crucial, but we did a pretty decent job in the Powerplay. Our batsmen need to take a bit more ownership in the middle overs. One or two curious shots and batters got out at crucial stages. it’s happened twice in two games, and we really need to look at that. (On short bowling) We probably didn’t read the pace of the pitch. Having said that, defending 213 wasn’t easy. (Fitness) We’ve been carrying some niggles in recent weeks, and we need to take care of that. There’s no point looking back. We can only control the future.”
Eoin Morgan:
“It’s the back. It’s a bit sore at the moment. Jason Roy has potentially tweaked his hamstring. He’s gone for a scan and we have to see it for the next 48 hours. I’ve had back spasms in the past and we have to see over the next 24-48 hours. Everybody in our squad is vital, and we don’t want injuries. I think we had a really good day at the office today. The way the bowlers stuck to plans on that surface was outstanding. Continued to create chances through the middle overs. Joe (Root) has had an absolute day out. He’s the glue that keeps the team together. (Jofra Archer) He is a pleasure to captain. He loves the challenge and to overcome it. Our plans have remained the same throughout, even though the personnel has changed. The guys are executing the plans better, and you need players that can play a part through the tournament. (On Afghanistan) They’re a side we’ve actually struggled against in the past. We have to put in our research.”
Joe Root is the Player of the Match:
“It was a really good toss to have won today, and it was good to take the opportunity and use the conditions. Rest of the guys helped build big partnerships. (On opening) It’s just nice to get some time in the park. Tried to hit the gaps, and it’s not much difference between the opening and lowers down. The way Woakes also came in and batted was very good. We spent two days in the indoor nets and (played) plenty of short stuff there. You need to have the method and you need to back yourself to do it. We pride ourselves in having our basics covered. (On bowling) I’ve just been trying a few things. When you don’t have the skills some of the other guys have, you try out a few things. (On the Botham celebration) Still a work in progress.
