World Cup 2019, England vs West Indies: 5 power hitters to watch out for

ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 is underway and it will not be wrong to say that the cricket enthusiasts have been delighted to witness the festival of cricket provide some unmatched entertainment.

The hosts England are tipped as the heavy favourites to lift the trophy but looking at the teams who have travelled to England, there lies a lot of firepower in most of the units.

Talking about firepower, the West Indies side possesses a lot of world-class talent and has the potential to pulverize any side in the world, let alone England, which will be a feature to watch out for when these two sides meet on the 14th of June.

The England vs West Indies encounters often yield memorable moments and this time may be no different considering the number of power hitters on each side. The two historic rivals share the record for most sixes in a match as they together scored 36 big ones in their epic encounter at St. George's in February 2019.

Here, we take a look at the five power-hitters who may dictate the play as England prepare to battle West Indies at Southampton's Rose Bowl stadium.

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#5 Jonny Bairstow

England v Bangladesh - ICC Cricket World Cup 2019

Jonny Bairstow has been in tremendous form ever since he was handed the responsibility of opening in ODIs. The wicket-keeper batsman has developed a strong playing style which enables him to tackle even the fiercest of bowling attacks. Bairstow had a remarkable debut campaign in IPL as he scored a plethora of runs for the Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Prior to the World Cup, England hammered Pakistan 4-0 at home- a series in which Jonny was seen in blistering form. The key to his success has been his ability to read the pitch conditions which is why England have prospered with Bairstow at the top.

One more key aspect of his game is power hitting which has troubled bowlers to a great extent. Jonny Bairstow's ability to switch gears like well-oiled machine is something which ardent followers of English cricket admire greatly.

England have played 3 games so far but Jonny is yet to hit the top gear which is why the clash against West Indies could well be the stage where Jonny Bairstow announces himself at ICC Cricket World Cup 2019.

#4 Andre Russell

Russell's pyrotechnics will be crucial for West Indies

In the world of power hitters, there is one name that goes around in a handful of lists and that name is Andre Russell. The brawny West Indian had a remarkable IPL campaign in 2019 where he terrorised bowling attacks with his incredible strength.

Strength played its part but Andre Russell's timing and efficiency was something that made him such a valuable asset for the Kolkata Knight Riders. Prior to the World Cup, Russell's addition came as pleasant news for the West Indies cricket fans, with the big hitter certain to contribute in the death overs.

Russell, with a strike rate of 130.54 will be looking to replicate his IPL heroics in the World Cup and help his nation go far in the tournament. A big inning has been a long time coming in the West Indies colours and the upcoming clash against England might well be the occasion where Andre Russel unleashes his prime form.

#3 Ben Stokes

England v South Africa - ICC Cricket World Cup 2019

One of the finest allrounders in recent times, Ben Stokes is a player who has the potential to influence the match outcome on his own. From his bowling skills to his batting potential, Ben Stokes is a player who many captains would want in their side.

Stokes proved to the world why he is considered amongst the very best in England's victory over South Africa in the World Cup opener as the allrounder scored valuable runs, took wickets and not to forget, took one of the greatest catches in the history of Cricket World Cup.

Stokes averages 45.25 in ODI cricket from the beginning of this strike and with a strike rate of close to 100, Stokes' form will be a vital component of England's acceleration in the death overs.

#2 Jos Buttler

Buttler has already struck form in this World Cup

England have gone places ever since their debacle at 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup and it is the mindset that has been instrumental in England's rise to the ODI rankings. There have been quite a few star performers for England in the build-up to 2019 edition of Cricket World Cup and one such man is Jos Buttler.

Jos Buttler is undoubtedly one of the modern-day greats who has left the cricketing universe in awe of his tremendous batting skills. Butler's on-field genius is second to none and his ability to hit all around the park has been frightening for bowlers.

Jos Buttler suffered a hip injury in England's previous World Cup fixture but the high-flying Englishman still managed to score a quickfire to 64 to help his side post an imposing total of 386/6.

West Indies fans will remember Buttler's exploits with the bat when the Englishman battered the West Indies bowling unit by scoring 150 off just 77 balls at St George's back in February 2019.

Jos Buttler has been in top form this term and English fans are optimistic of their star man's return to fitness in time for the West Indies clash.

#1 Chris Gayle

West Indies v England - 4th One Day International

It’s no secret that Chris Gayle is one of the most devastating batsmen in the history of the sport. The West Indies opener has made a name for himself with his blistering style of play and his records speak volumes of his greatness.

On his day, Chris Gayle is like a tornado who dismantles the opposition with his dynamic style of play. While Chris Gayle’s attacking prowess is well known by the ardent followers of the sport, the opposition bowlers have often been put under the pump by his attacking style of play.

Gayle enjoys playing against England and has scored 1600 runs including four centuries from just 35 ODI matches. Gayle’s last two centuries also came against England and it won’t be wrong to say that English bowlers will need to be wary of the 'Gayle Storm'.