England - West Indies One-day Series Starts Today

A new look and resurrected West Indies team is set to face off against an expectant England side as the ODI series kicks off in Southampton on Saturday. The biggest and most deciding events though may have taken place outside the cricket field. Chris Gayle and Kevin Pietersen represent two of the best exponents with the bat in world cricket today. The West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and Gayle have sorted out all issues between themselves and the latter has made himself available for all the formats of the game. On the other hand, Kevin Pietersen having retired from the ODI and T20 formats, will not be available for selection henceforth.

West Indies have been additionally bolstered by the arrival of ODI specialists Kieron Pollard, Dwayne Bravo, Andre Russell and should be a lot more competitive in the shorter versions of the game. The English coach, Andy Flower has said that he would be looking towards Ian Bell to fill in the void left by Pietersen's retirement. This also comes as another opportunity for Ravi Bopara to seal his place in the side after impressive performances on the county circuit yet again.

The West Indies team warmed up for the upcoming series with a thumping win over Middlesex. Darren Bravo scored an unbeaten century while Dwayne Smith narrowly missed out on a ton. Chris Gayle playing in West Indian colours for the first time since the World Cup scored a sedate 34 which included two sixes only. In reply to the mammoth target of 335, the visitors rolled over their opposition for a mere 107 runs, with almost all the bowlers picking a wicket or two.