The ongoing three-match T20 series against England is extremely important for West Indies in the sense that this is their last chance to get some T20 practice before the World T20 kicks off in Bangladesh in a few days’ time.

The ongoing three-match T20 series against England is extremely important for West Indies in the sense that this is their last chance to get some T20 practice before the World T20 kicks off in Bangladesh in a few days’ time. And the defending champions would be extremely pleased with their performance as they have clinched the series with one game to go. Over the last year or so some doubts have begun to creep in as to whether West Indies are good enough to defend the title in Bangladesh. But, with their performance in the current series, they have reiterated that they are a force to reckon with.

There have been some highly impressive performances by the hosts in both the matches, and they have deservedly won the series. Marlon Samuels was the star of the show in the opening T20, with his unbeaten 69 from 46 balls. Samuels is a key component of the West Indian side especially in the T20 format, where he can go after the bowlers without putting in much effort. He was all at ease during his match-winning innings. A handy spinner, Samuels also contributed with the ball in the first match. He looked in fine form in second match as well during his 28.

Bombastic opener Chris Gayle did not come up with a big knock, but played two very Gayle-like knocks in both the innings to keep himself in fine form. He blasted 43 from 35 balls in the opening match and made 36 from 30 in the second as West Indies got off to impressive starts in both the matches. It goes without saying that the form of Gayle will be crucial to West Indies’ chances in Bangladesh. This is all the reason why West Indies would be pleased with Gayle’s efforts.

The other opener in the side, Dwayne Smith, has also become an important cog in West Indies’ wheel in recent times. Playing for Mumbai Indians in the IPL and doing well has given him a lot of confidence, and he is replicating the same for the country as well. If anything, the dynamic opener would be keen to carry on from his starts. He made 27 and 30 in the two matches. At the same time, such contributions can also be of extreme significance when it comes to T20.

Skipper Darren Sammy may have struggled with the ball, but he demonstrated his amazing big-hitting capability with the bat en route to his dazzling unbeaten 30 from 9 balls in the second T20 at Barbados. Among other striking performances, leg-spinner Samuel Badree bowled a wonderful spell to play a key role in West Indies overcoming England in the series opener. Little-known medium pacer Krishmar Santokie was the surprise success story in the second T20 with figures of 4 for 21. With one more match to go, the West Indians would be keen to wrap up the series and head into Bangladesh on a high.

--By A Cricket Analyst