International cricket is back again after a gap of almost four months with lockdown measures being eased in Europe, report agencies.
West Indies have travelled to England for a 3-match Test series and, while a couple of top Windies players have pulled out of the tour, this might still turn out to be a very interesting series. The two teams will confront each other in the first of 3-match Test series at Ageas Bowl in Southampton on Wednesday.
The last time these two teams faced each other in a Test series in West Indies, the hosts beat England by 2-1 despite being the underdogs. While it would be difficult for the Caribbean boys to replicatet hat performance in English conditions, they can’t be written off completely.
England, on the other hand, would be keen to avenge the loss of the last Test series, particularly with West Indies not arriving with a full-strength squad.
West Indies have definitely got the bowling to trouble England in England as they have got variety in their attack. They have got bowlers who can bowl real fast, but then they have got bowlers who are very skillful as well.
However, the problem for the West Indies is their batting. They lack the solidity at the top of the order that is required in English conditions.
England look a more balanced side as compared to the West Indies. They registered an emphatic series win in South Africa earlier this year and they don’t really seem to have any weaknesses at the moment either with bat or ball.
England captain Joe Root won’t be available for this Test match as he is on paternity leave. So, there is a vacancy at no. 4 and the youngster Ollie Pope, who scored his debut Test hundred in South Africa a few months back, might bat at that position.
Joe Denly and the stand-in captain Ben Stokes might bat at no. 5 and no. 6 respectively, while Jos Buttler will discharge the wicket-keeping duties.
Dom Bess might be the only specialist spinner in the England line-up, while the pace trio will be formed by James Anderson, Stuart Broad, and Jofra Archer.
Meanwhile, West Indies might go with an all-pace attack of Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph, and the captain Jason Holder himself, while the all-rounder Roston Chase will be the lone spin option who will also bat at no. 5.
Shamarh Brooks and Jermaine Blackwood might get to bat at no. 4 and no. 6 respectively in the absence of Darren Bravo and Shimron Hetmyer.
