England’s white-ball revival gathered serious momentum as they stormed to a 3-0 series sweep over the West Indies with a dominant seven-wicket win in the third ODI at The Oval. It was a performance filled with aggression, control, and the unmistakable spark of a team finding its rhythm again after a turbulent run in recent months.
After West Indies posted 251 for 9 in a rain-shortened 40-over innings, England chased down a revised target of 246 in just 29.3 overs. Young opener Jamie Smith was the standout performer, blasting a scintillating 64 off just 28 balls, setting the tone for England’s commanding chase.
The day began with unexpected drama as the West Indies team arrived late to the ground due to traffic, causing a delayed toss and a reduction in overs. Once play commenced, West Indies were quickly put under pressure. Adil Rashid continued his fine form with the ball, picking up three key wickets and tightening England’s grip on the match.
Despite the early setbacks, the visitors mounted a partial recovery thanks to a resilient knock from Sherfane Rutherford, who scored 70 with maturity and calculated aggression. Lower down the order, Gudakesh Motie played a memorable cameo, hammering a quick-fire 63 that helped West Indies post a competitive total.
In response, England came out with intent. Jamie Smith’s explosive powerplay display dismantled the West Indies bowling attack. Ben Duckett added a composed 58, while Joe Root looked back to his best with a classy 44. The chase was completed in style by Jos Buttler, who cleared the ropes with a six to finish the match and seal the series in emphatic fashion.
The result capped off a clean sweep for England, marking a significant turnaround from their previous seven-match ODI losing streak. Under the fresh leadership of Harry Brook, who took over as white-ball captain this season, England have shown renewed purpose and a fearless approach to the limited-overs format.
Brook, speaking after the win, praised the side’s intensity and mindset, calling the 3-0 result a “great starting point for a new chapter in England’s white-ball journey.” He highlighted the blend of youth and experience in the squad and emphasized the importance of carrying this momentum into the upcoming T20I series.
West Indies, on the other hand, were left to rue their missed opportunities. Captain Shai Hope acknowledged the superior performance of the hosts and stressed the need for his side to bounce back quickly. While there were individual moments of brilliance, consistency eluded the Caribbean side throughout the series.
For England, this win is more than just a series victory — it’s a statement. With major ICC tournaments on the horizon and a new leadership group at the helm, they’ve laid down a marker for how they intend to play their cricket. Aggressive, bold, and relentless — the England of old is re-emerging, and fans have every reason to be excited.