The third One Day International (ODI) between England and the West Indies at The Oval in London faced an unexpected 30-minute delay on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, due to severe traffic congestion that hindered the West Indies team’s timely arrival. The disruption was caused by traffic light failures and road closures near Vauxhall Bridge, leaving the visiting team stranded north of the River Thames for approximately two hours.
In contrast, the England players, determined to avoid the gridlock, opted for an unconventional mode of transport. Several team members, including captain Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, and Matthew Potts, utilized Lime electric bikes to navigate through the congested streets, arriving at the stadium well ahead of the scheduled 1:00 PM start time. Their resourcefulness not only ensured their punctuality but also amused fans and garnered praise on social media, with former England bowler Stuart Broad describing the scene as “iconic.”
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) officially announced the delay, stating that the match would commence once all players had arrived and match officials had coordinated updated timings. The game eventually began at 1:30 PM, with England winning the toss and electing to bowl first.
England entered the match with a 2-0 lead in the three-match series, having secured victories in the previous ODIs at Edgbaston and Cardiff. The team aimed to complete a series sweep under the leadership of new white-ball captain Harry Brook, who maintained an unchanged lineup from the second ODI.
Despite the initial transportation hiccup, the West Indies team managed to arrive at The Oval by 12:45 PM, just 15 minutes before the rescheduled toss. Captain Shai Hope humorously reflected on the ordeal, suggesting that walking might have been a better option, given that their hotel was only about three miles from the stadium.
The match proceeded without any reduction in overs, concluding as scheduled at 9:00 PM. England’s proactive approach to circumventing the traffic issues not only highlighted their adaptability but also added an unexpected and entertaining twist to the day’s events.
This incident underscores the unpredictable challenges teams can face during international tours and the importance of flexibility and quick thinking. As England and the West Indies prepare for the upcoming T20 series, starting on Friday, both teams will undoubtedly be mindful of logistical considerations to ensure smooth operations moving forward.
