England vs West Indies 1st Test Match Preview – Battle of Two Countries About To Start As Cricket Set To Resume Again
So, finally, the moment is set to arrive. After a long three-months of hiatus due to the COVID 19 pandemic, cricket is set to return to the field. Perhaps, this is a Christmas time for the cricket fans! Moreover, cricket is returning with two oldest cricket playing nations – England and the West Indies. England vs West Indies 1st Test match preview – battle of two countries about to start as cricket set to resume again. Here, we will discuss the match preview, probable XI, match schedule, weather forecast, venue, match prediction, etc.
England vs West Indies 1st Test Match Preview – Battle of Two Countries About To Start As Cricket Set To Resume Again
The moment is about to come to the cricket fans they are waiting for. As the lockdown measures been eased in Europe, cricket is set to return. Here, we will discuss the England vs WI 1st Test match West Indies traveled to England to play three-match Test series.
England
The England cricket team will be without their fans in this match. These fans are usually work as the 12th man for the England team. Besides, regular England captain Joe Root won’t be there as he is on paternity leave. In this absence, the biggest star of English cricket right now, Ben Stokes will lead the team.
As Root won’t feature, there will be a vacancy at no.4 position. Ollie Pope will probably feature in this position. Although England will play at their home ground, the absence of the home crowd could affect their chances. English cricket team will surely a stiff challenge in this tournament. The reason is they will field quite an inexperienced side without their captain fantastic.
West Indies
It’s true that several vital cricketers of WI won’t feature in the series, but they can still pull a magical performance. Recently, WI revived under the charismatic leadership of Jason Holder. The Caribbean team might go with an all-pace attack of Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph, and the captain Jason Holder. Roston Chase will probably play as the only spinner in the 1st Test against England.
On the other hand, Shamarh Brooks and Jermaine Blackwood will probably bat on no. 4 and no. 6 respectively. But, the absence of experienced cricketers like Darren Bravo and Shimron Hetmyer could be vital.
Team Squad and Probable XI
The team squad and possible starting XI of England and West Indies are –
England Squad
Ben Stokes (C), James Anderson, Jofra Archer, Dominic Bess, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Joe Denly, Ollie Pope, Dom Sibley, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood
WI Squad
Jason Holder (c), Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Kraigg Brathwaite, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Shane Dowrich, Shannon Gabriel, Chemar Holder, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach
England Starting XI
Rory Burns, Dominic Sibley, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Denly, Ben Stokes (C), Jos Buttler (WK), Dom Bess, Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad, James Anderson
WI Starting XI
Kraigg Brathwaite, John Campbell, Shai Hope, Shamarh Brooks, Roston Chase, Jermaine Blackwood, Shane Dowrich (WK), Jason Holder (C), Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph, Shannon Gabriel
Match Schedule
Date: July 8-12, 2020
Time: 03:30 pm (IST)
Venue
Weather Forecast
As per the weather forecast, the weather will be dry and sunny. In the afternoon, there will be cold breeze and wind could come from the west side.
Pitch Report
The Southampton pitch will most probably assist the bowlers especially the spinners. Batsmen could face a challenge in playing great spin.
How to Watch
Sony liv app, Sony Ten Network
Match Prediction
England is always a monster in their home ground. They always play well in the home and we think that’s why they have the upper hand. WI revived in recent days but still, England is the favorite to win and go ahead in 1-0 in the three-match Test series.
In addition, the new life of cricket begins again. It won’t be a matter who will be victorious in this Test. What matters most is cricket is back again after a hiatus. It will be a treat for the eyes of the fans. So, what’s your opinion about our match preview? Share your opinion on the comment section.