Currently, they are playing four day practice test match WCBPXI (West Indies Cricket Board President X1) at Coolidge Cricket Ground, Antigua.
On the first day, England won the toss and opted to bat. They had a bright start putting up an 88 runs partnership for the first wicket in 33 overs. The top order looked defiant and all of them scored a half century.
Alex Lees, the new left-handed debuter, scored a convincing 65 runs before getting bowled by Bryon Charle. Zack Crawley, who couldn’t impress the selectors has been given another chance and he has shown some positive signs in the practice match.
Joe Root captained this side and scored a productive half century. England played conventional cricket and kept believing in partnership. That ultimately gave England a chance to score 234 on the first day 82.6 and lost 4 wickets.
This series could be a career defining event for a number of players in England. Jonny Bairstow hasn’t played a match-defining inning in the last 3 series. A lot depends on his shoulders. He can swing the match away from the opponent within a few overs. So far, he has failed to perform to his merit.
Also, England has expectations with all-rounder Ben Stokes. Another world class match-winner that has been on and off in the last couple of years. Ben Stokes scored 11 runs in the practice match. However, he always makes significant contributions. He knows how to control the game.
In all departments, he has contributed and led England to victory. England is without their ace bowlers and in such case, the batting unit will need to contribute in a leading way.
The West Indies is known for big surprises. For sure, they have talented players who can clinch the match and bring home the victory. It will be an entertaining series as West Indies is a team of movers and shakers.