Sam Curran made a stunning comeback, delivering a match-winning bowling performance as England secured a six-wicket victory over the West Indies to level the One Day International series in Antigua on Wednesday. In the series opener, Curran faced a harsh reality, conceding 98 runs off 9.5 overs in a four-wicket defeat, marking the worst-ever performance by an England bowler in ODI cricket. However, the left-arm seam and swing bowler redeemed himself brilliantly, claiming three of the first four wickets as the West Indies were dismissed for 202 in 39.4 overs during the day/night fixture.

Will Jacks played a pivotal role in England’s response, scoring 73 at the top of the order, while Jos Buttler, the England captain, found his form again, guiding the team to victory with an unbeaten 58 in an unbroken fifth-wicket partnership of 90 with Harry Brook (43 not out).

Reflecting on his performance at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Curran said:

“It was tough the other day but we just have to keep moving forward and try to bounce back.”

Curran’s opening spell, supported by Gus Atkinson, reduced West Indies to 23 for four. Despite a 129-run fifth-wicket partnership between captain Shai Hope (68) and Sherfane Rutherford (63), the West Indies faced a collapse. Spinner Liam Livingston contributed three wickets, including the crucial dismissals of Hope and Rutherford, while Atkinson and frontline spinner Rehan Ahmed took two wickets each.

West Indies displayed recklessness at the crease, their innings folded with ten unused overs showcasing extravagant strokeplay attempts.

In response, England’s openers, Jacks and Phil Salt, raced to 50 by the sixth over. However, facing considerable assistance from spinners on the pitch, Gudakesh Motie claimed two victims and at 116 for four, England had work to do. Buttler and Brook eased concerns, with Buttler’s first half-century in 15 innings taking him past the 5,000-run mark in ODIs, making him the fifth Englishman to achieve this milestone.

“I’ve been searching a bit for some form so it was great to spend some time in the middle,” said Buttler.

“I was really getting fed up with the way things were going so it’s pleasing to get back to something like the player I know I am.”

For Hope, the home side failed to respond to the early challenge and he emphasized the need to be ready for the final game at Kensington Oval in Barbados on Saturday, followed by a five-match T20 International series.