After nearly 4 month of gap, International cricket will start with England vs West Indies test match. The Test match will be a landmark occasion given it is set to mark the return of international cricket from lockdown.
Because of global COVI19 crises major international sport events suspended now after resume of football, cricket is coming back.
Big news from England team is Joe Root is not playing the first Test. In his place, Ben Stokes will take on the captaincy role. It will be interesting to see how Stokes leads his troops into the match. All eyes will be on his captaincy. In Root’s absence, England’s batting order looks pale, and the West Indies, on paper, appear to be the stronger team. But England will always be the favourites in home conditions. But always remember, in a game of cricket, anything can happen.
Indian batting great Sachin Tendulkar has little doubt that Ben Stokes will lead England from the front in the opening Test against West Indies, with his “controlled aggression” and infectious energy aiding him the most.
West Indies coach Phil Simmons believes the opening Test will be a battle between two all rounder captains in which he expects his skipper Jason Holder to”get on top”of his England counter part Ben Stokes. Holder and Stokes, both top all-rounders, will lead their respective sides with the latter standing in for regular captain Joe Root who will miss the opening ‘bio-secure’ Test for the birth of his second child. The three-Test series begins with the opening at Ageas Bowl here on Wednesday