England in West Indies: Jos Buttler reboot? Harry Brook's time? Will Jofra Archer feature in Caribbean?
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Updated 28/11/2023 at 13:39 GMT
After the disappointment of their pool exit at the 2023 Cricket World Cup, England are gearing up for yet more white-ball action as they take on the West Indies in the Caribbean. Both the ODI and T20 squads will travel across the Atlantic, as Jos Buttler - captaining both sides - looks to usher in a new era. You can watch all eight limited-overs matches live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
Harry Brook and Jos Buttler of England batting during the 3rd Vitality T20I match between England and New Zealand at Edgbaston on September 3, 2023 in Birmingham, England.
Image credit: Getty Images
Just 22 days after playing their final match at the 2023 World Cup, England's limited-overs cricketers will take to the field again, this time in Antigua against the West Indies on December 3.
It's the start of an eight-match tour of the Caribbean, comprising three ODIs and five T20 internationals. All the matches will be shown live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
After such an unexpectedly poor World Cup, what does this tour hold for England? Is it about evolution or revolution? And who will be the key men to watch?
Can Buttler and Mott launch a reboot?
Amid the World Cup aftermath, it's worth remembering that skipper Jos Buttler and coach Matthew Mott have already presided over one World Cup win, at the T20 World Cup in Australia last year.
That was Mott's second World Cup victory in 2022, having taken Australia's women's team to the 50-over title earlier in the year.
As such - despite England's demise in India - Buttler and Mott have a proven track record, and with both committed to remaining in their roles, this is perhaps their chance to demand they get what they want from England director of cricket Rob Key, who admitted that his decision-making had contributed to England's World Cup demise.
And whilst getting back into the headspace of competitive cricket after such a short break might be difficult, it also represents a quick opportunity for Buttler - and the remnants of the squad from India - to start a new chapter.
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Jos Buttler of England looks on following the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup India 2023 between England and Netherlands at MCA International Stadium on November 08, 2023 in Pune, India.
Image credit: Getty Images
Brook's time to shine?
Part of that new chapter could be Harry Brook.
The 24-year-old was not on top form in India with just one score over 30, but that was perhaps reflective of a man unsure of his place in the ODI team, having only been parachuted in to the squad shortly before the tournament to replace Jason Roy.
True three-format cricketers are hard to find these days, but Brook is increasingly seeming like one of them, and he could lead England's revival in the Caribbean, if he is given time and space to carve out a consistent role in the team.
Will Archer feature in the West Indies?
Jofra Archer, having gone to the World Cup as a "travelling reserve", suffered yet another setback with his troublesome elbow, meaning his return to any form of cricket is still unknown.
It's the latest in a long line of injuries for the 28-year-old, who was so influential in England's 2019 World Cup victory.
On Archer, Key has said: "He might well be [in the West Indies] but until he's ready and fit he won't be in the squad.
"Even then he'll need a period of building up. We take a bet with Jofra, because of the upside. That's what lures you in.
"Who's the best with the new ball? Jofra Archer. Who's the best in the middle? Jofra Archer. Who's the best at the death? Jofra Archer.
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England's Jofra Archer
Image credit: Getty Images
"It's the Ashes in two years, the T20 World Cup in the summer, you don't want to risk rushing something and kibosh the rest of his career."
One man who has been regularly likened to Archer is Surrey's Gus Atkinson, who lit up The Hundred last summer and impressed on his England debut.
He didn't have quite the impact many were hoping at the World Cup, but having been named in both squads for the West Indies, this tour could give him a platform to showcase his explosive pace and variation.
What sort of opposition will West Indies provide?
The West Indies did not qualify for the 2023 World Cup, and as such may come into this series with a point to prove.
Their limited-overs ranks have plenty of talent, with Alzarri Joseph and Romario Shepherd among the quicks looking to make inroads into the England batting line-up.
Shepherd impressed back in August in the T20 series against India, taking 4-31 as his side won 3-2 in the five-match series.
"We expect this to be a hard-fought series, but we also believe this squad will do well in our home conditions," Desmond Haynes, West Indies' chief selector, said when naming his squad for the three-match ODI series.
"We have a clear vision. We are focused on building a solid team. Our main focus is to rebuild for success at the Cricket World Cup 2027."
England ODI and T20 squads for West Indies Tour
ODI
- Jos Buttler (captain – Lancashire)
- Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire)
- Gus Atkinson (Surrey)
- Harry Brook (Yorkshire)
- Brydon Carse (Durham)
- Zak Crawley (Kent)
- Sam Curran (Surrey)
- Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire)
- Tom Hartley (Lancashire)
- Will Jacks (Surrey)
- Liam Livingstone (Lancashire)
- Ollie Pope (Surrey)
- Matthew Potts (Durham)
- Phil Salt (Lancashire)
- John Turner (Hampshire)
T20
- Jos Buttler (captain – Lancashire)
- Rehan Ahmed (Leicestershire)
- Moeen Ali (Warwickshire)
- Gus Atkinson (Surrey)
- Harry Brook (Yorkshire)
- Sam Curran (Surrey)
- Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire)
- Will Jacks (Surrey)
- Liam Livingstone (Lancashire)
- Tymal Mills (Sussex)
- Adil Rashid (Yorkshire)
- Phil Salt (Lancashire)
- Reece Topley (Surrey)
- John Turner (Hampshire)
- Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)
England in West Indies Tour Schedule
| Match | Date |
| West Indies v England, ODI | December 3 |
| West Indies v England, ODI | December 6 |
| West Indies v England, ODI | December 9 |
| West Indies v England, T20 | December 12 |
| West Indies v England, T20 | December 14 |
| West Indies v England, T20 | December 16 |
| West Indies v England, T20 | December 19 |
| West Indies v England, T20 | December 21 |
Which cricket matches/events are on TNT Sports?
| Event | Date |
| West Indies v England, ODI & T20 | December 3 - December 21 |
| Australia v Pakistan, three-Test series | December 14 2023 - January 7, 2024 |
| Australia v West Indies, Test, ODI and T20 | January 16, 2024 - 13 February, 2024 |
| Australia Women v South Africa Women, Test, ODI and T20 | January 26, 2024 - 18 February, 2024 |
How do I watch cricket live streams on TNT Sports? What is discovery+?
The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination.
You can also watch TNT Sports through BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.
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TNT Sports presents the premium live sports rights previously carried by BT Sport including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Gallagher Premiership Rugby, Investec Champions Cup, EPCR Challenge Cup, MotoGP, Cricket, UFC, Boxing and WWE. The streaming home for TNT Sports in the UK is discovery+, where fans can enjoy a subscription that includes TNT Sports, Eurosport and entertainment in one destination.
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