West Indies v England 1st ODI: Three-match series begins in Antigua on Friday

England start life without Kevin Pietersen in Antigua on Friday when they take on West Indies in the first match of their limited-overs tour.

A youthful England squad - comprising only players who will be involved in the upcoming World Twenty20 in Bangladesh - will take on West Indies in three ODIs and three T20Is, seeking some much-needed form after a disastrous winter in Australia.

Pietersen's international axing has dominated the pre-series build-up and captain Stuart Broad and coach Ashley Giles have now been tasked with starting the England rebuilding process, beginning at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.

Their opponents, West Indies, come into the series without star duo Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard due to injury, while pace bowler Kemar Roach is a noticeable absentee from their bowling attack.

England gave a clue as to what starting XI they will field in the opening ODI against the University of the West Indies Vice-Chancellor's XI on Tuesday, where Joe Root scored a timely century in a 29-run win.

Luke Wright and Alex Hales look set to open the batting in the absence of rested pair Alastair Cook and Ian Bell with Ben Stokes, who made 58 in the recent warm-up fixture, lining up at No 3.

Gayle blowEoin Morgan's place in the batting order has been hotly-debated but Root flourished at No 4 this week and should retain that place above the Irishman, who will have a major say in England's upcoming limited-overs fortunes.
Jos Buttler batted above Ravi Bopara at No 6 against the West Indies Vice-Chancellor's XI and on their day are two of the best finishers in world cricket.
Tim Bresnan could flourish on the Caribbean wickets and is expected to share pace bowling duties with captain Broad and Barbados-born Chris Jordan. James Tredwell offers the premier spin option.
The absence of Gayle at the top of the hosts' batting line-up is a serious blow to their chances of building some much-needed momentum ahead of their World T20 title defence next month.

Looking forward to this. Their practice match wasn't a huge and convincing win as it should've been. Root and Stokes alone scored something substantial there. Otherwise it looks pretty iffy.

Although yes, Morgs didn't play and all that. But WI are in with a great chance here. But then again, it's WI we're talking about *SMH*

Plenty English folks coming out to take advantage of the sunshine and the 365 beaches in Antigua.

On to game #2 tomorrow and more licks for de English.