International cricket returns this week and we take a look at the first test between England and West Indies which gets underway in Southampton on Wednesday 8th July.
This behind closed doors series comprises of 3 matches, this game and then 2 in Manchester.
Regular skipper Joe Root is unavailable so Ben Stokes takes over the captaincy. England have named the following squad although note there are 9 reserves also on standby for the hosts.
England: Ben Stokes (c), James Anderson, Jofra Archer, Dominic Bess, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler (wk), Zak Crawley, Joe Denly, Ollie Pope, Dom Sibley, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood
West Indies arrived some time ago and the first team squad comprises of the following pool of players.
West Indies: Jason Holder (c), Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Kraigg Brathwaite, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Roston Chase, Rakheem Cornwall, Shane Dowrich, Chemar Holder, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Raymon Reifer, Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel
Recent Test Match Form
England were due to tour Sri Lanka in March but the series had to be cancelled. Their last test match action came in South Africa over Christmas and New Year and they bounced back from losing the opening test to win the series 3-1. Prior to that they lost a 2 match series 1-0 in New Zealand whilst on home soil in 2019 they drew 2-2 with Australia.
Since the 2-1 home win over England West Indies have played just 1 test match which was staged in Lunknow and they beat Afghanistan by 9 wickets.
Recent Head to Head
The teams met in the Caribbean early in 2019 and West Indies won the 3 matches series 2-1.
The last test series on English soil came in 2017 and England, who were overwhelming favourites won 2-1.
The Betting:
1st Test Match Winner
England 3/10
Draw 6/1
West Indies 13/2
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change
The Verdict:
West Indies fast bowling has improved considerably in recent years but their fragile batting line up could be in for a tough time if Jofra Archer is firing.
It's going to be strange for players, fans and punters alike but to mark the return of cricket I fancy a betting interest and gut feel is Rory Burns could have a big game for the hosts.
Bets: To score a 100 in the match? Rory Burns? (yes at 5/1)
