West Indies vs England, 5th T20I at Tarouba, WI v ENG, Dec 21 2023 - Ball by Ball Commentary

7.35pm And for the third time this year, West Indies clinch a T20I series on home soil. It's been a fantastic campaign, and a wonderful marker ahead of the World Cup next year. For England, much to ponder. They had high hopes after their fightback in mid-series, but they came a cropper today. Clearly there's plenty to work with in this squad, but the defending champions will need to find some consistency before June.

And with that, it's a wrap from England in 2023. It's been a remarkable year, with Bazball highs and World Cup lows, and strange T20 fluctuations in between. Make of it what you will. From Miller, Alan, Matt, Valkerie, Vish, Paul and the UK team, plus Binoy and the scorers, thanks and goodnight, and Merry Christmas one and all!

7.26pm Here's the presentations.

The Player of the Match is Gudakesh Motie... 3 for 24 in England's innings: "I know my ability, the pitch was assisting, put the ball in the right area. It was important to hit my length. I've been working on it over the years and I see it as my strength. It's my second series, means a lot to me, total team effort."

The Player of the Series is Phil Salt, after 331 runs at 185 strike-rate. "Disappointing to come out on the wrong side, but we'll be better for the coming months. I feel good at the minute, learning off Jos, keep trying to take in as much as I can. It's been a challenge, a lot more on the toss in this part of the world. A big part of the game. You've always got more time than you think."

Jos Buttler: "Conditions were different, didn't adapt quickly enough. 160 would have been good. A really good effort with the ball. Salt's had a fantastic series, back to back hundreds, found out lots about ourselves, take the learnings and try to improve. The breeze plays a big part here, big premium on six-hitting, had a great time coming here to the Caribbean."

Rovman Powell: "Special thanks to the people of Trinidad and Tobago. Spent some time yesterday having meetings, still a good bowling team. Losing wickets at a key time but Shai Hope was the key man, grafting in the middle order. Served our batting group well. Credit to the groundsmen across the Caribbean. Credit to them, hats off, they did fantastic. We found players standing up and in good teams that happens. I have a good bunch of guys around me, they respect me and trust my judgment. I try to lead and the guys follow."

7.15pm Well, what a series that was! England's 132 was significantly below par, but they fought and fought and took it as deep as they could. Adil Rashid was magnificent, as was Reece Topley, while Sam Curran's final over was superb. But Shai Hope's run-a-ball 43 did the needful, with Sherfane Rutherford and Johnson Charles chipping in with useful hands. It's a marker laid down by the hosts for the 2024 World Cup, that's for sure!

Rahul: "Well, if you put this in VERY simple words - England didn't bat out 4 deliveries - about the SAME as what WI have left. Sums up?"

Very fitting that the series was sealed with a six too... it's been the theme of these five games... 120 in five matches! Gosh

JaySav: "Wow, clutch 19th over Curran (1 for 2) comes to naught. Looked like he almost dragged England back into it, but they were always behind."

Drew: "@Rahul the reason England didn't face those 4 deliveries is because they were all out. WI finished 6 down. Hence the 4 wicket win. It is the 4 wickets that made the difference."

Simon Dedman : "I'd like to pre register "it's the hope that kills you" if Shai does indeed drag the the Windies over the line "

David: "If this match were a reggae legend it would be called Bob Gnarly. "

Well, it's a shot to nothing for Holder you suspect. Connect here, and the game is broken. Miss, and it's all on Hope for the final over

Curran calls for a rag to dry the ball, it's slippery out there now

Aby Mathew : "Is there any chance windies could mess this chase up ?" There's always a chance

Sam Curran is back, with a crunchy situation to combat. Another warning for England's dallying, but no runs penalty yet

Murph Seeram : "Dre Rus please bat the only way you know too , Boom ! Boom ! Thank you . " That would indeed be ample

Rehan still has a slip

19 needed from 18... two sixes and some singles will do it...

Raff: "The Windies feel like my favorite uncle: maybe not the force of nature he once was, but when he wants to boogie, there's no one better. Boogie = hit T20 sixes, I guess."

20 off 20 needed...

Will: "I will never learn to not say what I'm thinking. Two HUGE boundaries from the Windies has brought them home, maybe applied pessimism will work?"

Topley's back... with wickets urgently needed