ENG Vs WI 2025, 1st ODI: Match Prediction, Dream11 Team, Fantasy Tips And Pitch Report

The English summer of cricket kicks off with a compelling contest as England host the West Indies in the first ODI of a three-match series at Edgbaston, Birmingham, on May 29, 2025. This match marks the beginning of a new era for both teams, with fresh leadership and renewed ambitions following recent challenges in the ODI format.

Match Overview

Fixture: England vs West Indies, 1st ODI
Date: Thursday, May 29, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM IST / 1:00 PM Local / 12:00 PM GMT
Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
Broadcast: Sony Sports Network; Live streaming on SonyLIV

Team Form and Context

Both England and the West Indies are seeking to rebuild their ODI credentials after underwhelming performances in recent tournaments. England, under new captain Harry Brook, aim to revitalize their white-ball strategy, while the West Indies, led by Shai Hope, look to harness their blend of youth and experience to climb the ICC rankings.

England: Embracing Change

Harry Brook steps into the captaincy role, bringing a fresh perspective to England’s ODI setup. The team features a mix of seasoned players and promising talents:

Top Order: Jamie Smith is set to open alongside Ben Duckett, providing a right-left combination at the top.
Middle Order: Joe Root and Brook himself will anchor the innings, with Jos Buttler offering firepower in the latter stages.
All-Round Options: Will Jacks and Jacob Bethell add depth with their dual skills.
Bowling Attack: Adil Rashid leads the spin department, while Brydon Carse and Saqib Mahmood spearhead the pace attack.

This lineup reflects England’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent while maintaining a competitive edge.

West Indies: Blending Youth and Experience

The West Indies, under the steady leadership of Shai Hope, aim to establish consistency in their ODI performances. Key players include:

Batting Core: Hope anchors the lineup, with Keacy Carty and Brandon King providing support.
All-Round Strength: Roston Chase and Matthew Forde offer versatility with both bat and ball.
Bowling Unit: Alzarri Joseph and Jayden Seales bring pace and precision to the attack.

The team is poised to challenge England’s plans and make a strong statement at the start of the series.

Pitch and Weather Conditions

Edgbaston Pitch Report: Known for its balanced conditions, Edgbaston offers assistance to seamers early on, with the pitch flattening out as the game progresses. Spinners may find some turn in the middle overs, making for an engaging contest between bat and ball.

Weather Forecast: The forecast for Birmingham on May 29 indicates a brief morning shower or two, followed by low clouds. Temperatures are expected to reach a high of 69°F (21°C), with a low of 58°F (15°C). Overall, conditions should be conducive to a full day’s play.

Dream11 Fantasy Picks

Top Picks:

Wicketkeepers: Shai Hope, Jos Buttler
Batters: Harry Brook, Keacy Carty, Jacob Bethell
All-Rounders: Joe Root, Roston Chase, Matthew Forde
Bowlers: Adil Rashid, Alzarri Joseph, Brydon Carse

Captain and Vice-Captain Choices:

Option 1: Joe Root (Captain), Shai Hope (Vice-Captain)
Option 2: Harry Brook (Captain), Jos Buttler (Vice-Captain)

Backups:

Batters: Ben Duckett, Jamie Smith
All-Rounders: Will Jacks
Bowlers: Saqib Mahmood, Jayden Seales

Probable Playing XIs

England:

Jamie Smith
Ben Duckett
Joe Root
Harry Brook (c)
Jos Buttler (wk)
Jacob Bethell
Will Jacks
Jamie Overton
Brydon Carse
Adil Rashid
Saqib Mahmood

West Indies:

Brandon King
Evin Lewis
Keacy Carty
Shai Hope (c & wk)
Roston Chase
Amir Jangoo
Justin Greaves
Matthew Forde
Gudakesh Motie
Alzarri Joseph
Jayden Seales

Players to Watch

Harry Brook: Leading England for the first time in ODIs, Brook’s performance will be under scrutiny as he balances leadership with batting responsibilities.
Shai Hope: A consistent performer, Hope’s role at the top of the order is crucial for setting the tone for the West Indies innings.
Joe Root: His experience and ability to anchor the innings make him a vital cog in England’s batting lineup.
Keacy Carty: Emerging as a reliable middle-order batsman, Carty’s recent form adds depth to the West Indies’ batting.
Adil Rashid: As England’s premier spinner, Rashid’s variations could prove decisive in the middle overs.
Alzarri Joseph: Leading the West Indies pace attack, Joseph’s ability to take early wickets will be key.

The opening ODI between England and the West Indies sets the stage for an intriguing series, with both teams eager to establish momentum. As new leaders take charge and fresh talents emerge, fans can anticipate a competitive and entertaining contest at Edgbaston.

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