Morgan hopes Ben keeps stoking competitive flame West Indies squander start, Stokes shines

MANCHESTER: England white-ball captain Eoin Morgan has urged Ben Stokes to retain his competitive approach despite the prospect of facing longstanding antagonist Marlon Samuels in the ODI series against West Indies. This series, that began on Tuesday, is set to feature the latest chapter in the fiery relationship between Stokes and Samuels. West Indies batsman Samuels ‘saluted’ Stokes off the pitch in a Test in Grenada two years ago, a gesture that riled the England all-rounder.

The pair then exchanged words during West Indies’ 2016 World Twenty20 final win over England in Kolkata -- a match where Samuels, who made 85 not out, was at the other end when Carlos Brathwaite hit four successive sixes off Stokes in the last over to give the Caribbean side the title. “I want Ben to be himself,” Morgan said on Monday. “I want Ben to get into the contest of a game. It’s part and parcel of his character and part and parcel of getting the best out of Ben Stokes. I’ve no worries at all.” Following the World Twenty20 final, Samuels said Stokes was a “nervous lad”.

But Samuels indicated he would be on his best behaviour in England, having not featured during the recent Test series because of a dispute with West Indies cricket chiefs and a clash with the Caribbean Premier League. MANCHESTER : West Indies made 204 for nine after winning the toss in the first one-day international against England at Old Trafford on Tuesday.

In a match reduced by a wet outfield to 42 overs per side, West Indies captain Jason Holder topscored with 41 not out, while allrounder Ben Stokes led England’s attack with three for 43.

This is the first of a five-match series, with West Indies needing a 5-0 win, or 4-0 with a tie or no-result, to gain direct entry into the 2019 World Cup in England.

West Indies opener Chris Gayle started the innings in an attacking manner, hammering 37 off 27 deliveries --- with three sixes.

However, after his dismissal, the visitors lost track as Stokes picked crucial wickets of Marlon Samuels and Shai Hope.

BRIEF SCORES

WI 204/9 in 42 overs (J Holder 41*, C Gayle 37, S Hope 35, B Stokes 3/43) vs England (message incomplete)