West Indies have a formidable bowling attack: Joe Root ahead of England’s Test series

Joe Root, the England Test skipper, doesn’t want his team to take the West Indies fast bowlers lightly going into the three-match Test series. The series gets underway on July 8 with the opening match at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. The Old Trafford in Manchester would play hosts to the remaining two matches. The Caribbean team is already on English soil with their 14-member squad.

Among the fast bowlers, they have Kemar Roach, Raymon Reifer, skipper Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph and newcomer, Raymon Reifer as well. The visitors have also taken 11 reserve players, which include Oshane Thomas, Shannon Gabriel and Anderson Phillip in the pace-bowling unit.

It is really important we prepare well: Joe Root  

Root know the quality of the opposition bowling attack and hence, understands the importance of preparation. “We are very aware of the skill West Indies have and what they will bring to this series,” Root was quoted as saying in BBC Sport. “One thing that stood out was how formidable their bowling attack can be. It is really important we prepare well and we are ready for all of that,” Root stated.

Root also had words of praises for Holder. The English skipper said how Holder has come up the ranks from a young age and has peaked at the right time in his career. Moreover, he showed his eagerness to interact with the West Indies skipper, bearing in mind the social-distancing protocols.

“Jase is one of the most well-respected guys in international cricket. He took the job at a young age and we are starting to see him at the peak of his career. He comes across as a very good bloke. I am looking forward to chatting to him from a social distance,” he added.

The matches would be played behind closed doors and in a bio-secure environment. Root also mentioned that he could end up missing the opening Test should it clash with the birth of his second child. In that scenario, Ben Stokes, the vice-captain, would be standing in for him. The coronavirus pandemic has taken a toll on English cricket and it remains to be seen how things get back on track.