Although the World Cup direct entry opportunity is gone, there is still plenty to play for in a series that's still open
Adversity often brings the best out of Windies. The team has found itself under pressure but responded well, like it did in levelling the Test series against England with a splendid win in the second match. It eventually lost the Test series 2-1, but impressed everyone with the gumption and fight shown.In the One-Day International series against the same opponents, Windies is under pressure again. Its dream of earning direct qualification for the ICC World Cup 2019 is gone now with defeat in the first ODI, but there is still a series to play for and plans and personnel to set in place for the World Cup qualifiers early next year.

Windies lost the first one-dayer in Manchester to concede the dream of direct qualification, a result that ensured Sri Lanka got the spot.
The ongoing series currently stands at 1-0 in the home side’s favour after the second game was washed out. But it could still provide Windies with the momentum in the lead-up to the qualifying tournament in Zimbabwe. Which is why the third game between the sides at Bristol on Sunday (September 24) could well be the most crucial of the lot.England has been one of the most improved sides in the 50-over format over the last couple of years, and it reflected in how clinically the team broke Windies down in the series opener at Old Trafford.The bowling attack squeezed the visiting side by bowling tight and then bludgeoned an off-colour bowling line-up without too many chinks to ponder over. It was a complete contrast to how both teams went about their one-off T20I. For Windies, it is not so much about a team effort as it is about one of the several talented cricketers coming good on the day. They haven't often struck in tandem and that is a concern, especially against a team of England’s calibre.While the team boasts of the likes of Chris Gayle, Even Lewis, Marlon Samuels and Shai Hope in a batting line-up which, if on-song, can decimate the best of attacks, the bowling hasn't inspired as much confidence. There are some good cricketers in the mix, including the skipper, but the consistency has been an issue for the pacers. The spin department, however, is far more efficient, bowling wicket to wicket and not giving away much. Sunil Narine, who picked up the Man of the Match honour in the T20I, has shown some interest in playing 50-over cricket since then, and should the finger spinner return to ODI cricket at this stage, Windies can only benefit. "Sunil Narine showed his class in the T20. He stated he wanted to get some 50-over cricket in, which is fair enough, but if he decides he wants to give ODIs a go he'd be one of the first picks with the spin he provides," said Stuart Law, the Windies coach.It must be said though, with or without Narine and the other host of talents in the mix, it will be tough for the Windies to outdo England on home turf, and in a format better suited to the home side.