England v West Indies ODI tips & preview | May 29, 2025

England v West Indies top betting picks

First ODI: England v West Indies match preview

England host the West Indies in the first ODI of the European summer this Thursday in Birmingham, and top cricket betting sites have the hosts as short-priced favorites despite their poor recent record in the 50-over format.

In their first ODI match since a disappointing Champions Trophy performance, Brendan McCullum’s side are looking to break a run of seven straight defeats. They enter a new era, with Jos Buttler stepping down from the captaincy in April and 26-year-old Harry Brook takes the reins.

On the other hand, the West Indies have won seven of their last 10 matches, including a 2-1 series victory over England back in November 2024. Shai Hope remains captain of the side as the Windies push for automatic qualification to the 2027 ODI World Cup.

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England team news

Opener Phil Salt has been dropped from the England squad, opening the door for Tom Banton to open the batting alongside Ben Duckett. Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith is expected to remain at three with Joe Root, Harry Brook and Jos Buttler making up the middle order.

With Liam Livingstone also omitted from the side, expect one of Jacob Bethell and Will Jacks to come in at seven. With Jofra Archer and Mark Wood ruled out, Jamie Overton, Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse are tipped to be the pace attack, while leg spinner Adil Rashid rounds out the XI.

West Indies team news

The West Indies are largely at full strength, with only Shimron Hetmyer missing due to IPL commitments. Evin Lewis and Brandon King are expected to open the batting ahead of Keacy Carty. Hope will take the gloves while batting at four ahead of Amir Jangoo.

There are a trio of all-rounders with Justin Greaves, Matthew Forde and Roston Chase. Meanwhile Gudakesh Motie will provide the spin, while Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph bring the pace.

England v West Indies betting predictions

Despite England’s poor recent form, it is hard to see it continuing at home. They have a strong contingent of white ball batsmen, while it is hard to ignore the West Indies’ recent 1-1 draw with Ireland. Despite showing little value, England are the safe option at -312.5 with top cricket bookmakers.

Although the home side have struggled over the last 12 months, one player who has thrived is opening batsman Ben Duckett. He averages over 60 in the last 12 months, while scoring 50s in three of his last five home matches. At +400 with leading online sportsbooks, back Duckett to lead the English runscorers.

One of the emerging stars of West Indian cricket, Keacy Carty is in terrific form with the bat. He has scored 95 or more in three of his last four innings, while last time he faced England, he notched up a series-winning 128 not out. At +380 with Nags.bet, Keacy offers excellent value to lead the side once again.

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