Wyatt stars as England win against a much improved West Indies side

When Stacy-Ann King and Chedean Nation were hitting to all parts for the first time in this series West Indies were taking it to England. The visiting side had not looked at the races in the ODI series but with the change of format saw a change of intent. England though won by 42 runs. The result may have not been what West Indies wanted but there were signs of improvement.

It hadn’t started that way as West Indies had three golden opportunities to gain the upper hand. The chance to dismiss both openers were spurned. Amy Jones charged down the pitch to Hayley Matthews and was not stumped.

Wyatt was dropped by the keeper while on 16. In the next over Wyatt was dropped by Chinell Henry. Wyatt would go on to punish the West Indies attack as she batted deep into the innings.

Jones and Wyatt ensured that England started with a good base. The opening stand of 67 while helped by the West Indies fielders showed just how established the batters are in this format.

Wyatt was at her imperial best with an innings of 81. She was able to score around the ground when required. When the fours were not on offer Wyatt was quick to run the ones and twos.

Partnerships of 56 with Natalie Sciver and 41 with Heather Knight helped Wyatt maintain her attacking approach. Sciver found the boundaries while Knight was busy scoring from every ball before her wicket in the final over.

England never let up and even had the luxury of Sarah Taylor batting at 7. Taylor would later have a great time with the gloves.

West Indies had been lacklustre with the bat during the ODIs. Today though they batted with more attacking intent. With England scoring 180 for 6 they needed to go for it.

Both openers had gone by the second over Matthews the first to go to Linsey Smith for 2. Shrubsole in the second over was hit for 3 fours by Stacy-Ann King. Britney Cooper was lbw from the final ball of that over.

King joined by Stafanie Taylor and the two took the attack to the bowlers. When Taylor went run out for 19. Taylor was given a reprieve by the third umpire her bat fell from her grip. It was given not out but only just.

Chedean Nation carried on where Taylor had left off. England were concerned and with Knight off the field with a hamstring strain, it was a good test for Shrubsole as stand-in skipper.

Smith back into the attack brought the desired effect for England. The run out of Nation and a good catch from Wyatt to end King’s innings of 43. It ended the game as a contest. There were times when England were being challenged.

With the Ashes getting underway in the next few weeks it was the type of game that England wanted and needed.

Both teams move onto Derby on Tuesday in the final game of West Indies tour. There are signs that West Indies might just go home with a win.