England are all set to host the West Indies for a three-match Test series to kickstart their men’s international home summer. The first Test will begin at the iconic Lord’s in London on Wednesday, July 10.
The first Test is going to be a very special one as English pacer James Anderson is all set to play his 188th Test and final international game.
England’s last assignment in the longest format came against India in India. They didn’t have the best of series as they suffered a heavy defeat by a 4-1 margin in the five-match series. They will be hoping to start their home summer on a winning note against the West Indies.
Ben Stokes will continue to lead the side. England have already announced their side for the first Test. Jamie Smith and Gus Atkinson will be making their Test debuts at Lord’s. Anderson will be leading the pace-attack for one final time and will be looking to finish on a high.
West Indies, on the other hand, last played a Test match Down Under when they faced Australia in a two-match series. After losing the first game, they bounced brilliantly and beat the Aussies by eight runs to draw the series level. They will be looking to seek inspiration from it while facing England at their home.
West Indies will be led by Kraigg Brathwaite. He has plenty of experience under his belt and will play a vital role for the tourists. The likes of Jason Holder, Alick Athanaze, Alzarri Joseph, and Shamar Joseph will have to step up along with Brathwaite to challenge the English side.
England vs West Indies Match Details:
Match: England vs West Indies, 1st Test, West Indies tour of England, 2024
Date and Time: July 10 – July 14, 2024, 3:30 PM IST
Venue: Lord’s, London
England vs West Indies Head-to-Head
England and West Indies have faced each other on 163 occasions in the longest format. England have won 51 of those whereas West Indies have emerged victorious on 59 occasions. 53 games have ended in draws.
Matches played: 163
England won: 51
West Indies won: 59
Draw: 53
England vs West Indies Pitch Report
The pitch at Lord’s is expected to be bowling-friendly for the first Test. The seamers are expected to get plenty of assistance from the surface and it will be hard work for the batters early on. Once they get their eye in, they can start playing their strokes freely.
England vs West Indies Weather Forecast
The temperature on the opening day of the Test is expected to hover between 12 and 22 degrees Celsius. There is rain predicted on the third day of the match.
England vs West Indies Probable XIs
England
Team News
Gus Atkinson and Jamie Smith will be making their Test debuts at Lord’s.
Probable XI
Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, James Anderson
West Indies
Team News
All the players in the squad are available for selection.
Probable XI
Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Johann Layne, Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, Kirk McKenzie, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, Nyeem Young/Kevin Sinclair, Shamar Joseph
England vs West Indies Match Prediction
The three-match Test series between England and West Indies begins at Lord’s on Wednesday. Both sides will be eager to bring out their A-game and get an early lead in the series.
England have the home advantage and are expected to come out on top.
Prediction: England to win this contest.
England vs West Indies Live Streaming details and channel list
TV: Sony Sports Network
Live Streaming: FanCode
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