International cricket was last played on March 13 and has since been suspended due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. But it is all set to return from July 8 as England host West Indies for a three-match Test series, with the first Test to be played at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton.
Ben Stokes will be leading the England side in skipper Joe Root’s absence. Phil Simmons has said that he is hopeful Jason Holder will be able to outwit the stand-in England skipper in both batting and bowling.
But Ben Stokes has been in tremendous form and is an important part of the England team, especially after his heroics in the Headingley Test against Australia. Simmons stated that it will be important to get rid of Stokes early.
Ben Stokes’ lack of experience not a big advantage for us: Phil Simmons
England skipper Joe Root will not be available for the first Test as he is awaiting the birth of his second child.
While this can be considered as an advantage for WI, Phil Simmons said that England have enough experienced players in the forms of James Anderson and Stuart Broad, who can assist the inexperienced Ben Stokes in making on-field decisions.
Phil Simmons also spoke about the approach the West Indies batsmen will look to take in the bowler-friendly conditions. He is hopeful that the batsman would take inspiration from their win at Headingley back in 2017. Back then, Shai Hope scored hundreds in both innings as West Indies chased 317 runs in the fourth innings to end their long win-less streak in England.
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