Leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed traps Alick Athanaze in front

West Indies began brightly in response to England’s formidable 325 in the ODI opener at Antigua. Opener Alick Athanaze scored 66 runs before Rehan Ahmed drew first blood for the visitors, trapping the southpaw in front with a googly.

Earlier, having opted to bat after winning the toss, England got off to a scorching start through Phil Salt and Will Jacks who plundered the Caribbean attack inside the first ten overs. Zak Crawley and Brook stitched a 71-run stand to consolidate the momentum but whenever England threatened to run away with the game, West Indies managed to claw back into the contest.

The hosts were guilty of losing the plot in the end overs after having fought back admirably in the middle overs. Motie along with Romario Shepherd and Oshane Thomas shared two wickets apiece.

Brief scores: England 325 in 50 overs (Harry Brook 71, Zak Crawley 48, Phil Salt 45; Gudakesh Motie 2-49, Oshane Thomas 2-57) vs West Indies