England v West Indies predictions and cricket betting tips

Free cricket tips, best bets and analysis for England v West Indies in the T20 World Cup on Saturday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Cricket & Main Event, 3pm Saturday

Best bet

Jos Buttler top England runscorer
1pt 11-4 Betfred

Match preview

Five years ago the last Twenty20 World Cup concluded with the West Indies beating England in the final and the sides begin their 2021 campaigns against one another in Dubai this weekend.

The Windies won the 2016 final by four wickets but plenty has changed since Carlos Brathwaite cleared the rope four times in a row to hand his side the trophy.

England have evolved into a white-ball machine, winning the 50-over World Cup for the first time when on their own patch in 2019.

And the West Indies have since declined, dropping to ninth in the world T20 rankings ahead of this tournament.

England are undoubtedly therefore an enticing bet at 4-6 to win their opener in the Super 12 but a better bet could be in their top runscorer market.

The biggest blot on England's copybook going into this World Cup is that they will be competing without star player Ben Stokes, who has taken a break from the game to prioritise his mental health.

But the flip side to that absence is that another player can now rise to the occasion and take initiative with the bat.

And Jos Buttler could fit the bill.

With Jason Roy having been hit or miss recently and Dawid Malan's involvement uncertain, Buttler represents England's best chance of piling on runs early in their innings.

The wicketkeeper-batsman averages 51.47 when opening in T20 internationals and comes into this tournament following scores of 73, 18, 21, 59, 68 not out and 52 in his last six matches.

The birth of his second child meant he was not involved in the second half of the 2021 Indian Premier League season but he impressed in the franchise competition earlier in the year with 254 runs in seven innings.

With only two knockout stage berths available in Group One, which also features Australia and South Africa, a good start is crucial for England and Buttler could blaze a trail to glory.

Not got a bet365 account? Sign up today and get up to £100 in bet credits

Up to £100 in Bet Credits for new customers at bet365. Min deposit £5. Bet Credits available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply.

CLAIM OFFER HERE

MORE FREE BETS

Today's top sports betting stories

Follow us on Twitter @racingpostsport