London, 3 June 2025 – The third and final One Day International between England and the West Indies at The Oval got off to a dramatic and unorthodox start today, as logistical chaos and unexpected transport choices added a quirky twist to an already exciting series.
Delayed Start Amid London Traffic
The West Indies team were significantly delayed reaching the venue, stuck in heavy London traffic that saw their arrival time pushed back by 45 minutes. The delay disrupted pre-match routines and caused a slight shift in the match timeline. In a show of sharp contrast—and British improvisation—several England players, including stand-in captain Harry Brook, avoided the congestion entirely by cycling to the stadium on rented Lime bikes. Their eco-friendly and unconventional commute sparked light-hearted amusement across social media and in cricketing circles.
Despite the odd beginning, match officials confirmed the game would proceed, albeit with a minor delay.
England Elect to Bowl First
Winning the toss under overcast skies, Harry Brook opted to bowl first. With England already 2-0 up in the series and playing on a swing-friendly surface, it was a decision grounded in both tactics and conditions.
Their bowlers quickly made an impact. David Willey and Gus Atkinson struck early blows to dismantle the West Indies top order. Evin Lewis was the first to fall, caught behind off Willey, followed soon after by Brandon King and captain Shai Hope. The visitors found themselves in deep trouble at 28-3, facing a clinical England attack determined to wrap up the series with a whitewash.
Sherfane Rutherford offered brief resistance, launching a counter-attack to revive hopes of a competitive total, but wickets continued to tumble around him.
Series So Far: England Dominant
England has dominated the series so far. In the first ODI, they thrashed the Windies by 238 runs—an emphatic statement of their ODI prowess. The second match saw a masterclass from Joe Root, whose unbeaten 166 guided England to a successful chase of 309, sealing the series with a match to spare.
Brook’s captaincy in place of the resting Jos Buttler has been marked by bold decisions and sharp field placements. With youngsters like Will Jacks, Rehan Ahmed, and Atkinson stepping up, England appear to be building serious depth ahead of next year’s Champions Trophy.
Looking Ahead: Rebuilding for the West Indies
The West Indies, meanwhile, are struggling to find consistency in the 50-over format. Despite flashes of brilliance from individual players like Alzarri Joseph and Rutherford, they’ve lacked the cohesion and composure needed to compete against a sharp English outfit.
Shai Hope, who has carried much of the batting burden, will be disappointed with the top order’s failures and the team’s overall inconsistency. Rebuilding and re-energising the squad ahead of the next World Cup cycle remains a key task for the Caribbean side.
Fans and Atmosphere
Despite the initial disruption, The Oval saw an energetic turnout, with fans enjoying the summer’s cricket spectacle. England’s strong home form, the team’s entertaining playing style, and the comical pre-match drama ensured a buzz across the stands and online.
Live Coverage and What’s Next
As the match unfolds, live coverage is available via Sky Sports and The Guardian’s live blog. England will look to complete a 3-0 sweep, while the West Indies hope to salvage pride in the final fixture.
Regardless of the outcome, the day’s events—from Lime bikes to traffic jams—will be remembered as another uniquely British cricket tale.