West Indies v England: Matthew Mott confident despite tourists’ T20 series defeat

England have “exciting things in the pipeline” despite a 3-2 T20 series defeat by West Indies, says head coach Matthew Mott.

Jos Buttler’s side were beaten in both white-ball series on the tour, having lost the one-day international leg 2-1.

England will look to defend their T20 World Cup title in the West Indies and the United States in June 2024.

“West Indies thoroughly deserved their win but we’ve had some really good performances here.

“There’s some exciting things in the pipeline.”

England fought back from 2-0 down to level the series after two incredible batting efforts, chasing 223 and hitting their T20 record of 267 as Phil Salt smashed consecutive centuries, before losing the decider in Trinidad by four wickets in a low-scoring encounter.

The tourists were without several senior players, including Test captain Ben Stokes, fast bowler Mark Wood and opener Jonny Bairstow, who were resting after the 50-over World Cup.

Mott remains confident despite the disappointing group-stage exit in India and these two series defeats, saying the return of those players will make for “difficult” selection – something he wants leading into the T20 World Cup.

England do not play another T20 international until a four-match series against Pakistan in May, which will be their only outings before the T20 World Cup the following month.

Many, but not all, of England’s squad will be involved in the Indian Premier League (IPL) from March to May.

“It’s not as big an issue as people think,” Mott told TNT Sports. “Our players are getting opportunities in white-ball leagues all around the world.

“They’re playing a high level of cricket. That’s the modern game. We will get out here to the West Indies a little bit early if we can and make sure we are prepared and ready for an amazing World Cup.”

England struggled in the final T20 on a used surface that aided the bowlers, with Salt’s 38 the top score in their 132 all out.

In the hosts’ chase, Shai Hope calmly hit an unbeaten run-a-ball 43 to secure victory, with Mott saying England may have to pick someone to play a similar anchor role in the World Cup for when they are faced with similar conditions,

He said Stokes was the “obvious” candidate if he is fit after his recovery from a knee operation and the upcoming five-Test tour of India.

Mott added he had kept his extra pace options “up his sleeve”, with uncapped John Turner not playing a game on the tour, Wood resting and Jofra Archer continuing his return to fitness.

“Throw them into a team like this and it’s pretty dynamic,” he said.

“Fitness pending they’ll definitely be great assets coming back for us.”