West Indies vs Ireland – 1st One-Day International Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is West Indies vs Ireland taking place? Saturday, January 8th, 2022 – 14:30 (UK)
Where is West Indies vs Ireland taking place? Sabina Park, Kingston, Jamaica
What is the expected weather for West Indies vs Ireland? 27-28c dry with clear skies and a moderate to gentle breeze.
What channel is West Indies vs Ireland on? This match be televised live on BT Sport ESPN
Where can I stream West Indies vs Ireland? BT Sport subscribers can stream West Indies vs Ireland live via the BT Sport App
LAST MEETING
West Indies beat Ireland by five wickets
THE TEAM NEWS
WEST INDIES
- West Indies will be led by captain Kieron Pollard after the experienced all-rounder recovered from a hamstring injury, however the hosts will be without the trio of Fabian Allan, Evin Lewis and Anderson Phillip as all three have tested positive for Covid-19.
- Jason Holder has been named in the Windies squad, although fellow all-rounder Andre Russell misses out, whilst Shimron Hetmyer failed a fitness test ahead of this ODI series, leading to his omission from the squad.
IRELAND
- Ireland are ready to embark on their first ODI since all the way back in September 2021 against Zimbabwe after their scheduled three-match ODI series against United States late last month was abandoned due to an outbreak of Covid-19 within both camps.
- The virus continues to cause interim head coach David Ripley problems in terms of player availability with opener Paul Stirling and all-round Shane Getkate both currently in isolation having each tested positive and will miss this first ODI, the absence of Stirling in particular will come as a huge blow to the tourists.
THE PREDICTION
Despite being without the likes of Allan and Lewis, the strength-in-depth of West Indies from a white ball perspective makes them an extremely tough opponent for Ireland, who are coming into this one slightly undercooked in terms of 50 over preparation after the cancelled ODI series against United States. The absence of Stirling at the top of the order is a huge blow for Ireland in particular and makes it very difficult for them to match the Windies in terms of power hitting. With home advantage in their favour and a number of big stars among their ranks such as Pollard and Nicholas Pooran, West Indies should ultimately prove too strong for Ireland and record victory in this first ODI.
