Big Picture
With no play possible in the second ODI, both teams go into the third game well-rested. Perhaps this is a chance for the IPL returnees in particular to have caught their breath. The rain, though, may not have cleared in Kingston completely. According to the forecast, showers are likely in the afternoon and also possible in the evening, though there may be dry spells in between. There is a chance this will be a stop-start match in which DLS calculations come into play.
These remain two relatively evenly-matched teams, however. With a little more discipline from their bowlers, West Indies are capable of leveling the series.
Form guide
West Indies: LLLLL (Last five matches, most recent first)
Sri Lanka: WLLWL
In the spotlight
Although his Test average remains outstanding, Kamindu Mendis is yet to find a home in limited-overs cricket. Partly this is because his batting is so versatile, coaches and selectors have tended to yank him up and down the order as the team’s needs evolve. So far in ODIs, he has done his best work at No. 7 and 8, but he has now been asked to open the innings alongside Pathum Nissanka. His first innings at the top of the order brought only 12, but Sri Lanka are unlikely to ditch the strategy after one game. Can batting in the powerplay be the change he needs to kick his white ball career into high gear?
Over a fledgling international career, Keacy Carty has demonstrated promise at No. 3, where he averages 45.18. What he doesn’t have, so far, however, is the kind of body of work a long-term No. 3 should ideally built. So far, he has two tons apiece against England and Ireland, but is yet to put up serious numbers against other oppositions. Runs against an attack of Sri Lanka’s quality would add to his confidence.
Pitch and conditions
Rain will potentially dictate conditions on Monday. If there’s rain around, teams tend to prefer to chase. Not only do they prefer to be batting while DLS calculations are in play, but a wetter ball is also more difficult for bowlers to grip, particularly spinners.
Team news
West Indies may think about bringing Shimron Hetmyer into the XI to shake up the batting a little.
West Indies (possible): 1 John Campbell, 2 Justin Greaves, 3 Keacy Carty, 4 Shai Hope (capt.)(wk), 5 Shimron Hetmyer/Sherfane Rutherford, 6 Roston Chase, 7 Matthew Forde, 8 Gudakesh Motie, 9 Alzarri Joseph, 10 Shamar Joseph, 11 Jayden Seales
Sri Lanka may keep their winning XI, but with so many quicks to choose from, may be tempted to give Eshan Malinga a run, especially if it’s a shortened match.
Sri Lanka (possible): 1 Pathum Nissanka, 2 Kamindu Mendis, 3 Kusal Mendis (capt.)(wk), 4 Pavan Rathnayake, 5 Charith Asalanka, 6 Janith Liyanage, 7 Wanindu Hasaranga, 9 Milan Rathnayake, 10 Dushmantha Chameera, 11 Asitha Fernando/Eshan Malinga
Stats and trivia
- Kamindu Mendis has played 27 ODI innings, but never more than nine in a single spot.
- Among batters who have scored 500 or more runs at No. 3 since 2023, Carty’s average of 45.18 is third in the world, behind Virat Kohli and Kane Williamson.
- Sri Lanka have won 33 ODIs against West Indies, to West Indies’ 32 wins. If the hosts win on Monday, they will level the overall ledger as well.
Andrew Fidel Fernando is a senior writer at ESPNcricinfo. @afidelf
