New Delhi, India

The West Indies team led by Jason Holder departed from Antigua for England to play three Test starting July 8 and arrived in Manchester on Tuesday. All the players and staff completed their COVID-19 tests and all the results were confirmed as negative. Players and staff on board will be tested again for coronavirus.

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West Indies, who have sent a strong 25-man squad for the England tour, will live, train and play in a “bio-secure” environment with strict protocols restricting movement in and out of the venues. Hence, 11 reserve players are travelling to train and prepare the Test squad while ensuring replacements are available in case of any injury.

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Fans would be looking forward to the three-match Test series after watching months of television repeats as England captain Joe Root said: "It must be extremely scary and I think the whole cricketing world will be grateful to see some cricket again."

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The Test series was originally scheduled to be played in June but will now kickstart from July 8 due to COVID-19 pandemic, becoming the first international cricket series to be played after an enforced break. The series will be played at more “bio-secure” Ageas Bowl and Old Trafford rather than traditional Oval, Edgbaston and Lord’s. 

Meanwhile, various health measures including a ban on saliva are set to be rubber-stamped at the ICC meeting on Wednesday. 

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"Our main objective is to deliver a safe environment for all stakeholders," said England and Wales Cricket Board events director Steve Elworthy.

England vs West Indies, Test series - Full schedule

• 1st Test v West Indies: 8-12 July at Ageas Bowl

• 2nd Test v West Indies: 16-20 July at Emirates Old Trafford

• 3rd Test v West Indies: 24-28 July at Emirates Old Trafford