Match Delayed as West Indies Team Arrives Late

LONDON: The England team took an alternative route, arriving at The Oval on bicycles for Tuesday’s third ODI against West Indies, navigating the city’s congested roads.

In a video clip shared, players including captain Harry Brook, Jos Buttler, Joe Root, Luke Wood, Saqib Mahmood, and Jacob Bethell, were seen pedaling to the ground.

The start of the match was pushed back because the West Indies team was held up in heavy traffic. Their team bus encountered significant delays north of the river.

“Due to the delayed arrival of one of the teams, due to substantial traffic congestion, the scheduled start will be affected,” officials stated.

“Once all players arrive, updated timings will be coordinated by match officials, who will also consider any impact on the schedule. Updated information will be provided as soon as possible.”

As a result, the West Indies were unable to practice in the nets, which were taken over by ground staff to prepare the venue for the match.

Despite already losing the series, the West Indies will aim to end on a high note with a consolation victory.

In the series opener, the West Indies suffered a significant defeat by 238 runs, highlighted by half-centuries from Jacob Bethell, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, and Joe Root, along with strong bowling performances from Jamie Overton and Saqib Ahmed, who each took three wickets.

The West Indies showed resilience in the following match, setting England a challenging target of 309 runs, largely due to Keacy Carty’s century. They initially put England under pressure, reducing them to 2/2 and later 133/5. However, a remarkable innings of 166 runs from Joe Root guided England to a three-wicket victory with seven balls remaining.