West Indies rebuild continues with historic series win over England

After the disappointment of failing to qualify for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup 2023, the West Indies have hit back by claiming a 2-1 ODI series victory over England.

The series was at level after the second ODI before the Windies managed to win the third match via the DLS method. It continues the movement forward for the West Indies, also claiming a victory in the third ODI against India back in August.

With rain delaying the first innings, the West Indies held the tourists to 206 from their allotted 40 overs, before chasing down a target 188 in the 32nd of 34 overs with four wickets in hand after rain intervened in the moments leading up to their innings. It was the first time the West Indies had claimed an ODI series against England in over 16 years.

Fittingly the last name of Romario Shepherd summed up his efforts in the chase, finishing with 41* from 28 balls to ensure he and his men were victorious, supported by opener Alick Athananze (45) and Keacy Carty, who top-scored with 50 from 58 deliveries.

Out in the middle with Shepherd was debutant Matthew Forde (13*), whose earlier efforts with the ball (3/29 from eight overs) were enough for Player of the Match accolades.

Forde rewarded skipper Shai Hope for winning the toss and electing to bowl, claiming the top three of Phil Salt (4), Zak Crawley (0) and Will Jacks (17) in his first five overs. England were unable to make a recovery, even with Ben Duckett (71) and Liam Livingstone (45) moving the tourists from 49/5 to 137/6. Shepherd (2/50) and Alzarri Joseph (3/61) were also in the wickets, with Gudakesh Motie stifling the opponents in an economical spell of 0/23 from his eight overs.

Athanaze lost opening partner Brandon King (1) early, though put on a partnership of 76 with Carty to push the hosts ahead. Spinners Rehan Ahmed (1/37) and Will Jacks (3/22) threatened to spoil the party, though Shepherd's three fours and three sixes ensured victory for the men in maroon.

Attention turns to the five-match T20I series between the teams from 12-21 December, headlined by the return of all-rounder Andre Russell.