While English cricket is in deep concern after already suffering the away Ashes Trophy (2025-26) as they lost the first three games out of the five matches and two matches are yet to be played, former English cricketer Monty Panesar suggested the name of a former successful Indian head coach for the next English coach context. 

English head coach Brendon McCullum and his fearless "Bazball" have now been massively criticised due to very irregular performances, which have now shifted more towards losing results. Despite strong criticism for a long time, there have been hardly any significant changes in the game strategy, which raises the question of the maturity of the coaching and leadership strategy in the English team. 

While it was expected to be a tight contest for the Ashes 2025-26 in Australia, at least from some English cricket experts, we have majorly experienced the immature performance from the English side, as Australia have strongly won the series with two matches yet to be played. Moreover, the hosts Aussies have missed some of their crucial players, but the visitors hardly put any significant challenges.

I think Ravi Shastri should become England’s next head coach: Monty Panesar

Former English spinner Monty Panesar pointed out that the English team needed an experienced coach who knew Australian cricket. He suggested the name of the former Indian head coach Ravi Shastri.

Panesar told journalist Ravi Bisht, “You have to think: who exactly knows how to beat Australia? How do you take advantage of Australia’s weaknesses, mentally, physically, and tactically? I think Ravi Shastri should become England’s next head coach.”

India with coach Ravi Shastri won two Test series in Australia

Under the head coach Ravi Shastri, India won back-to-back Border-Gavaskar Trophies in Australia, in the 2018-19 and 2020-21 seasons. These are the only times when India won any Test series in Australia. 

West Indies Champions registered their first win of the 2025 World Champions League (WCL) with a tense 10-run victory over England Champions in Match 5 at the County Ground, Northampton. After being asked to bat first, the Windies posted a competitive 164/9 in 20 overs, thanks to a brilliant 83 off 50 balls by Chadwick Walton. Kieron Pollard chipped in with 30 off 16, while Stuart Meaker (4/24) and Ajmal Shahzad (3/8) kept England in the contest with the ball.

In reply, England Champions fell short despite a valiant 52 off 36 balls from Samit Patel. Ravi Bopara added 24, but wickets at regular intervals disrupted their chase. Fidel Edwards turned back the clock with a fiery 4/11, supported well by Dwayne Bravo (2/26) and Shannon Gabriel (2/30), as England were bowled out for 154 in the final over.

With this win, West Indies now move to second place on the points table with 2 points and a net run rate of +0.500. England, after losing all three matches, now finds themselves last on the table with only 1 point and a negative NRR of -0.375.

WCL 2025 Points Table (After Match 5):

See Also: WCL 2025, Match 5: West Indies Champions vs England Champions full match highlights

Top Performers—WCL 2025

Most Runs:

• Chadwick Walton (WICH)—110 runs, Avg 110.00, SR 154.93
• Eoin Morgan (ENGCH)—69 runs, Avg 34.50, SR 106.15
• Phil Mustard (ENGCH)—62 runs, Avg 31.00, SR 116.98
• Ravi Bopara (ENGCH)—60 runs, Avg 60.00, SR 111.11
• Ian Bell (ENGCH)—57 runs, Avg 28.50, SR 121.28

Most Wickets:

• Fidel Edwards (WICH)—6 wickets, Avg 5.33, SR 5.00
• Stuart Meaker (ENGCH)—5 wickets, Avg 9.80, SR 9.60
• Ajmal Shahzad (ENGCH)—3 wickets, Avg 2.67, SR 8.00
• Aaron Phangiso (SACH)—2 wickets, Avg 9.50, SR 9.00
• Shannon Gabriel (WICH)—2 wickets, Avg 15.00, SR 12.00

The World Championship of Legends (WCL) 2025 is here! Amazing cricketing action and legendary players from all over the globe will take to the field in epic contests. This tournament features friendship, nostalgia, intense rivalries, and our favorite personalities making their long-awaited returns! If you are watching at home or streaming on the go, here is your complete guide on how to watch WCL 2025 live from anywhere!

Match Details – WCL 2025

• Match: England Champions vs West Indies Champions
• Date: July 22, 2025
• Time: 05:00 PM IST 
• Venue: Country ground, Northampton, United Kingdom.
• Tournament: World Championship of Legends 2025 – Match 5

Live Streaming Details

• India: FanCode app 
• Pakistan: A sports
• United Kingdom: TNT Sports
• USA & Canada: Willow TV
• Australia: Foxtel / Kayo Sports
• South Africa: SuperSport
• New Zealand: Sky Sport NZ

Also read: WCL 2025: EDC vs WIC Dream11 Prediction 05th Match Fantasy Cricket Tips, Probable Playing XI

EDC vs. WIC Probable Playing XIs:

England Champions Probable Playing XIs

West Indies Champions Probable Playing XIs

Dwayne Smith, Chris Gayle (c), Kieron Pollard, William Perkins, Chadwick Walton (wk), Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Bravo, Ashley Nurse, Sheldon Cottrell, Fidel Edwards, Sulieman Benn

EDC vs WIC Match Preview

The World Championship of Legends 2025 will begin with the hosts, England Champions, playing against West Indies Champions. Last year's season was competitive, and we hope to repeat it this year. The England Champions will look to get off to an excellent start this year after struggling with both the bat and the ball last season. West Indies Champions had a successful season and will look to make an impact in their first game. Pakistan was unlucky to lose the title last year. They only lost once in the league tournament, and their batting lineup dominated the majority of the games. The players will draw motivation from their triumphs last season and hope to perform well. It will be a difficult game for England's champions, who must regain form after an inconsistent performance last year.

EDC vs WIC Match Details 

England Champions vs West Indies Champions – 05th Match, World Championship of Legends 2025

Venue: The County Ground Northampton, Northampton

Date & Time: 22nd June 2025 at 05:00 PM IST

Live Streaming: FanCode

EDC vs WIC Venue Stats

EDC vs WIC Pitch Report

The batting situations will be favorable, as seen in previous games. The ball falls onto the bat nicely, and the team batting first would need to give up at least 180 runs.

EDC vs WIC Weather Report

The skies would be cloudy, and rain may fall during the game.  

EDC vs WIC Last Five Matches

EDC vs WIC Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: PPL 2025: OAW vs MMS Dream11 Prediction 39th Match

EDC vs WIC Probable Playing XIs:

England Champions Probable Playing XIs

West Indies Champions Probable Playing XIs

Dwayne Smith, Chris Gayle (c), Kieron Pollard, William Perkins, Chadwick Walton (wk), Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Bravo, Ashley Nurse, Sheldon Cottrell, Fidel Edwards, Sulieman Benn

Topmost Picks for EDC vs WIC Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – England Champions

• Eoin Morgan – Eoin Morgan stood out among the batsmen, grinding out an inspired 44 from 37 balls while the early batsmen struggled.
• Liam Plunkett–  Liam Plunkett shone most in the first match, returning figures of 2-28 over a four-over spell.

Top Picks – West Indies Champions

• Kieron Pollard – Kieron Pollard, the most currently active among these former stars, recently wrapped up the Major Cricket League campaign.
• Sheldon Cottrell –  Sheldon Cottrell took 8 wickets in 10 matches at an economy rate of 9.17 last season, and is expected to do better.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for EDC vs WIC Dream11 Team:

Phil Mustard, James Vince(VC), Dwayne Smith, Chris Gayle, Lendl Simmons(C), Ian Bell, Ravi Bopara, Liam Plunkett, Kieron Pollard, Sheldon Cottrell, Fidel Edwards

World Championship Legends 2025 EDC vs WIC Match Captain and Vice Captain choice for GL:

Captain – Lendl Simmons, Kieron Pollard

Vice-captain – James Vince, Eoin Morgan

EDC vs WIC Probable Winners:

England Champions has a dismal World Championship of Legends record, with a single victory in six completed matches throughout both tournament editions. Given its winless start in the series, they must improve their home performance. The West Indies, on the other hand, appear to be a more complete unit and have the advantage heading into this match, thanks to their powerful batting lineup. If England's bowlers are unable to pick up regular wickets, the West Indies should take control of this particular battle. Considering the team combination, West Indies Champions is expected to win this match.