After a gap of almost 4 months, international cricket is all set to resume as the pandemic threat subsides in the United Kingdom. The home of cricket, England is all set to host the fierce, imposing competitors from the Caribbean, West Indies for a three-match Test series beginning on the 8th of July. 

The first match will commence at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. After annihilating the Proteas 3-1 in their backyard, Joe Root's England is high on confidence. However, West Indies emerged triumphant by a margin of 2-1 the last time these two teams clashed in a Test series. Hence, this series promises to pack a punch.

The Match Preview

Venue: Rose Bowl, Southampton, England

Date: 8th to 12th July

Time: Commences at 11:00 A.M. GMT

Pitch Report

 The Rose Bowl has had a bit of seam movement and swing in the air for pacers. However, several tweakers such as Moeen Ali have wreaked havoc bagging crucial wickets in bulk at this venue. There will be a tinge of green first up, with the wicket expected to aid the spinners from day 4.

Weather Forecast

With England, you never know what kind of weather you will encounter until you turn up on the match day. When the test match nears, we shall have a clearer picture of this.

Predicted playing XIs:

England: Z Crawley, D Sibley, J Denly, J Root (c), B Stokes, O Pope, J Bairstow/ J Buttler (wk), M Ali, C Woakes, J Archer, J Anderson

West Indies: K Brathwaite, J Campbell, DM Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, R Chase, S Hetmyer, J Holder (c), J Hamilton (wk), R Cornwall, K Roach, S Gabriel