Southampton, Jun 16 : Hello and welcome to the live coverage of the 1st ODI between England and West Indies. After winning the Test series comfortably, England will be up against a strong WI side as they are bosltered by the comeback of Gayle, who will be back in the West Indies colors after almost an year. England also has some selection issues with the retirement of KP and have included Bell in their ODI side.
Weather: Unfortunately there is a bit of rain predicted during the course of the 1st ODI, with light rain showers expected in the afternoon. So if you are looking forward to this contest, then you better get your prayers started.
West Indies have won the toss and elected to field
According to David Lloyd on Twitter: Gayle has picked up a foot injury and may not take part in this match. All that hype and now Gayle turns out to be unfit. Bell, who had a jaw bone fracture is fit and will be playing.
Teams:
West Indies (Playing XI): Dwayne Smith, Lendl Simmons, Darren Bravo, Marlon Samuels, Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Denesh Ramdin(w), Andre Russell, Darren Sammy(c), Ravi Rampaul, Sunil Narine
England (Playing XI): Alastair Cook(c), Ian Bell, Jonathan Trott, Ravi Bopara, Eoin Morgan, Craig Kieswetter(w), Tim Bresnan, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, Steven Finn, James Anderson
Both sides have a few issues with the batting but have a well structured bowling attack. The side that applies themselves better might just pull through to a win in what should be a closely contested game. England though will start off as favourites and their bowlers should take them across the line.