West Indies vs England, 1st Test: Match Preview, Playing XI and broadcast details

The land of the Caribbean will turn into a battleground, as England and the West Indies will clash with each other in a three-match Test series that is scheduled to commence on 8th March 2022.

England will enter this Test series low on confidence, as they received a pounding in The Ashes against Australia, where they lost 0-4. Also, there have been a sea of changes in the England camp. Their head coach Chris Silverwood and their Director Ashley Giles were both sacked following the dismal performance against Australia.

Also, veteran bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad were dropped from the England squad for the three-Test series. On the other hand, the West Indies also received an absolute pounding against Sri Lanka in their previous Test series. The West Indian outfit was thrashed 0-2 in the series, and will also enter this assignment against England low on confidence.

So, the whites will once again gain prominence for these two teams, and needless to say, both these outfits will look to start their campaign on a winning note.

Pitch and Conditions

The pitch at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua is a good one for batting. The bowlers will come into play as the match goes on.

Playing Combinations for WI vs ENG

West Indies

Skipper Kraigg Brathwaite will open the batting with John Campbell. Nkrumah Bonner will come out at No.3, while Jermaine Blackwood and Kyle Mayers will come in at No.4 and No.5. All-rounder Jason Holder will come in at No.6, while Joshua De Silva will don the wicket-keeping gloves. The 4 bowlers who will complete the lineup are Kemar Roach, Alzaari Joseph, Veerasaamy Permaul, and Jayden Seales.

Predicted XI: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), John Campbell, Nkrumah Bonner, Jermaine Blackwood, Kyle Mayers, Jason Holder, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph, Jayden Seales, Veerasammy Permaul

England

Zak Crawley will have a new opening partner in Alex Lees. Skipper Joe Root will occupy the pivotal No.3 slot, while Dan Lawrence, Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow will walk in at No.4, No.5 and No.6, while Ben Foakes will handle the keeping duties. England will go in with a lone spinner in Jack Leach, while the pace bowling options will be Chris Woakes, Mark Wood and Craig Overton.

Predicted XI: Alex Lees, Zak Crawley, Joe Root (c), Dan Lawrence, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Foakes (wk), Chris Woakes, Craig Overton, Mark Wood, Jack Leach

England vs West Indies Head to Head

Matches- 160, West Indies – 58, England – 51 Draw – 51

England vs West Indies Broadcast Details

Match Timings – 07:30 PM IST

Live Streaming – FanCode