International cricket returned with a bang! Test cricket returned with its nerve-wracking sessions and battle between the willow and the red cherry. Before the first Test between England and the West Indies commenced at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, there were whispers how it would pan out. Will players be fully up for it, will not playing cricket for 117 days take a toll on the players? And every question was thrown out of the window as both England and West Indies produced cricket of the highest quality upon the return of international cricket.

The West Indies led by the ever-dependable Jason Holder clinched a fairly comfortable four-wicket win in Southampton while taking a 1-0 lead in the series. While the word comfortable may sound like a cake-walk, it wasn’t the case at all. The game felt like a pendulum as the dong moved to and fro between the two sides with each passing session.&nbsp;

<img alt="ENG vs WI 1st Test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3676f325-c533-4397-b4be-d3daf98c92b1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1UT9P1_0.jpg" />

Day 1 started with a game of hide&nbsp;and seek with the rain gods as the world witnessed little action on the first day. After a delayed start, England’s Test skipper for the match, Ben Stokes opted to bat first under overseas condition, on a pitch which certainly had some sort of moisture due to persistent rain in the build-up to the match. The move to bat first raised a few eyebrows.&nbsp;

<img alt="ENG vs WI 1st Test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="66409bb2-a364-4f31-b5e1-085b48f4529d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1UV91P.jpg" />

The red ball, on which saliva can’t be used due to the ban imposed by the ICC to curb the spread of coronavirus, was handed over to Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel. But before the first ball of the match was bowled, all the players and staff took a knee in support for the Black Lives Matter movement.&nbsp;Ten balls into the game, Dom Sibley’s stumps were dislodged by a peach by Gabriel. The ball moved a bit but to some extent, it was a rusty judgement by the English opener. Rory Burns and Joe Denly took charge in the middle and saw off a splendid spell of bowling by Roach and Gabriel.&nbsp;

However, it was Gabriel again who produced magic to send the ball through the gates of Denly, reminding the Englishman of his IPL debut for KKR. Burns was next to follow and it was Gabriel again who did the damage.&nbsp;

<img alt="ENG vs WI 1st Test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0d00f713-3693-4c58-98d4-de81bed1751c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1UV9PE.jpg" />

Following the initial spell by Gabriel and Roach, it was time for ‘Captain West Indies’ to stand up and produce what he has been doing for the last few years. Even though Holder is not someone who would terrorise batsmen with his pace, he showed what damage testing line and length can do. Holder made the ball talk and there were three edges straight to the keeper Shane Dowrich as Ben Stokes (43), Ollie Pope (12) and Jos Buttler (35) were sent packing by the number one all-rounder in Test cricket.&nbsp;

Dom Bess kept the scoreboard ticking with a handy 31 not-out but the Holder and Gabriel were too hot to handle for the English lower-order as the hosts were bundled out for 204. Holder with six, Gabriel with four, shared all the wickets among themselves.&nbsp;

<img alt="ENG vs WI 1st Test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c780aae9-5634-4505-ae22-b6d8d13f986f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1UW3JK.jpg" />

For the West Indies, openers Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell saw off the initial spell by James Anderson and Jofra Archer before taking the field on a bright sunny day on Day 3. A superb 65 by Brathwaite laid the platform for the visitors despite Campbell (28) and Shai Hope (16) departing without scoring much. Shamarh Brooks (39) showed glimpses of his highly-rated talent but it was Roston Chase’s 47 off 142 which built the&nbsp;road for the West Indies win. Dowrich with his gritty 61 threw some confidence and a lead of over 100 runs.&nbsp;

It was a lacklustre performance by the English bowlers in the first innings. While Jimmy Anderson looked like a lone warrior, swinging the ball away or even bringing it back with a break of the wrist, Jofra Archer and Mark Wood with speeds of over 90 mph looked like a mere shadow of themselves. Their barrage of bouncers was firmly dealt by before Stokes took it upon himself to do the damage. The end result? Four wickets for the number two ranked Test all-rounder in the world. Credit to Dom Bess, who toiled hard in his 19 overs to pick up two crucial wickets of Hope and Blackwood. The West Indies ended up posting 318 runs on the board.&nbsp;

<img alt="ENG vs WI 1st Test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2a8be025-6311-4e42-84ff-d52ff0a21cc2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1UY6ZC.jpg" />

With the sun out and a relatively drier and flatter track, Rory Burns and Dom Sibley stitched a 72-run opening stand before the former was sent packing Roston Chase, visitors’ only spin option. Sibley went on to score a half-century before falling prey to Gabriel. Joe Denly and Zak Crawley tried putting a partnership but the former was again subjected to a soft dismissal, falling for his own mishaps, again and again.&nbsp;

<img alt="ENG vs WI 1st Test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4bfc65ec-6dec-4fa1-8893-a7f84545285a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1V03TP.jpg" />

Stokes came up with a counter-attacking mood and scored a quick-fire 46 off 79 but&nbsp;Alzarri Joseph, after going wicket-less in the first innings, found the bullseye by dismissing Stokes and Crawley. Gabriel came back to life again and wreaked havoc while sending the lower and lower-middle order back to pavilion. Another impressive performance by the veteran and a fifer to his name. England were bundled out for 313 as the West Indies were given a target of 200 runs.&nbsp;

<img alt="ENG vs WI 1st Test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="bda5b095-e796-4e14-b4d5-2a05210204a0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1V08O7.jpg" />

There was scrutiny towards Jofra Archer for being lazy in the first innings and many could sense he would come alive in the second innings, and that is what exactly happened. John Campbell was retired-hurt and Brathwaite was walking back to the hut in no time after the West Indies started their chase.

<img alt="ENG vs WI 1st Test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3e155a85-85c6-42eb-961d-e56f9ddffbc3" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1V22MS_0.jpg" />

Mark Wood too clocked up his intensity and got rid of Shai Hope as the visitors saw them reeling at 27-3. Brooks again fall victim to Archer’s class and bagged a five-ball duck.&nbsp;

<img alt="ENG vs WI 1st Test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ab4dbf4e-31e6-421d-8c85-69bb1c8a6d58" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1V25AV_1.jpg" />

As England bowlers dominated the first 15 overs, everyone started to come at the edge of their seats anticipating a West Indies collapse. However, Chase and Blackwood had other plans. While Chase scored a gritty 37, Blackwood was the man of the hour for the West Indies as he scored 95. Dowrich chipped in with 20. Campbell came back to bat again and stitched winning partnership with skipper Holder to hand the West Indies an all-important win.

<img alt="ENG vs WI 1st Test" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="730f1743-dcb8-4323-ba6c-dfd35db954ae" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1V2520.jpg" />

A forgettable start for Stokes as a captain. And for Holder, he continues to cement his own legacy in the history books.&nbsp;

The first Test post-pandemic goes to the West Indies as visitors take a 1-0 in the series. Man of the match, Shannon Gabriel. 
&nbsp;

International cricket returned with a bang! Test cricket returned with its nerve-wracking sessions and battle between the willow and the red cherry. Before the first Test between England and the West Indies commenced at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, there were whispers how it would pan out.

International cricket returned with a bang! Test cricket returned with its nerve-wracking sessions and battle between the willow and the red cherry. Before the first Test between England and the West Indies commenced at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton, there were whispers how it would pan out. Will players be fully up for it, will not playing cricket for 117 days take a toll on the players? And every question was thrown out of the window as both England and West Indies produced cricket of the highest quality upon the return of international cricket. The West Indies led by the ever-dependable Jason Holder clinched a fairly comfortable four-wicket win in Southampton while taking a 1-0 lead in the series. While the word comfortable may sound like a cake-walk, it wasn’t the case at all. The game felt like a pendulum as the dong moved to and fro between the two sides with each passing session. Day 1 started with a game of hide and seek with the rain gods as the world witnessed little action on the first day. After a delayed start, England’s Test skipper for the match, Ben Stokes opted to bat first under overseas condition, on a pitch which certainly had some sort of moisture due to persistent rain in the build-up to the match. The move to bat first raised a few eyebrows. The red ball, on which saliva can’t be used due to the ban imposed by the ICC to curb the spread of coronavirus, was handed over to Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel. But before the first ball of the match was bowled, all the players and staff took a knee in support for the Black Lives Matter movement. Ten balls into the game, Dom Sibley’s stumps were dislodged by a peach by Gabriel. The ball moved a bit but to some extent, it was a rusty judgement by the English opener. Rory Burns and Joe Denly took charge in the middle and saw off a splendid spell of bowling by Roach and Gabriel. However, it was Gabriel again who produced magic to send the ball through the gates of Denly, reminding the Englishman of his IPL debut for KKR. Burns was next to follow and it was Gabriel again who did the damage. Following the initial spell by Gabriel and Roach, it was time for ‘Captain West Indies’ to stand up and produce what he has been doing for the last few years. Even though Holder is not someone who would terrorise batsmen with his pace, he showed what damage testing line and length can do. Holder made the ball talk and there were three edges straight to the keeper Shane Dowrich as Ben Stokes (43), Ollie Pope (12) and Jos Buttler (35) were sent packing by the number one all-rounder in Test cricket. Dom Bess kept the scoreboard ticking with a handy 31 not-out but the Holder and Gabriel were too hot to handle for the English lower-order as the hosts were bundled out for 204. Holder with six, Gabriel with four, shared all the wickets among themselves. For the West Indies, openers Kraigg Brathwaite and John Campbell saw off the initial spell by James Anderson and Jofra Archer before taking the field on a bright sunny day on Day 3. A superb 65 by Brathwaite laid the platform for the visitors despite Campbell (28) and Shai Hope (16) departing without scoring much. Shamarh Brooks (39) showed glimpses of his highly-rated talent but it was Roston Chase’s 47 off 142 which built the road for the West Indies win. Dowrich with his gritty 61 threw some confidence and a lead of over 100 runs. It was a lacklustre performance by the English bowlers in the first innings. While Jimmy Anderson looked like a lone warrior, swinging the ball away or even bringing it back with a break of the wrist, Jofra Archer and Mark Wood with speeds of over 90 mph looked like a mere shadow of themselves. Their barrage of bouncers was firmly dealt by before Stokes took it upon himself to do the damage. The end result? Four wickets for the number two ranked Test all-rounder in the world. Credit to Dom Bess, who toiled hard in his 19 overs to pick up two crucial wickets of Hope and Blackwood. The West Indies ended up posting 318 runs on the board. With the sun out and a relatively drier and flatter track, Rory Burns and Dom Sibley stitched a 72-run opening stand before the former was sent packing Roston Chase, visitors’ only spin option. Sibley went on to score a half-century before falling prey to Gabriel. Joe Denly and Zak Crawley tried putting a partnership but the former was again subjected to a soft dismissal, falling for his own mishaps, again and again. Stokes came up with a counter-attacking mood and scored a quick-fire 46 off 79 but Alzarri Joseph, after going wicket-less in the first innings, found the bullseye by dismissing Stokes and Crawley. Gabriel came back to life again and wreaked havoc while sending the lower and lower-middle order back to pavilion. Another impressive performance by the veteran and a fifer to his name. England were bundled out for 313 as the West Indies were given a target of 200 runs. There was scrutiny towards Jofra Archer for being lazy in the first innings and many could sense he would come alive in the second innings, and that is what exactly happened. John Campbell was retired-hurt and Brathwaite was walking back to the hut in no time after the West Indies started their chase. Mark Wood too clocked up his intensity and got rid of Shai Hope as the visitors saw them reeling at 27-3. Brooks again fall victim to Archer’s class and bagged a five-ball duck. As England bowlers dominated the first 15 overs, everyone started to come at the edge of their seats anticipating a West Indies collapse. However, Chase and Blackwood had other plans. While Chase scored a gritty 37, Blackwood was the man of the hour for the West Indies as he scored 95. Dowrich chipped in with 20. Campbell came back to bat again and stitched winning partnership with skipper Holder to hand the West Indies an all-important win. A forgettable start for Stokes as a captain. And for Holder, he continues to cement his own legacy in the history books. The first Test post-pandemic goes to the West Indies as visitors take a 1-0 in the series. Man of the match, Shannon Gabriel.

England vs West Indies 1st Test: Blackwood, Gabriel steal show as visitors take 1-0 lead in series

International cricket returned from lockdown in style as the West Indies beat England by four wickets in the first Test at Southampton.

AFP Sport looks at five key points from a match that took place against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic.

<h2>Holder heroics</h2>

West Indies captain Jason Holder led from the front by taking a Test-best 6-42 in England's lowly first-innings 204 and the world's top-ranked all-rounder twice dismissed home counterpart Ben Stokes in this match as well.

He also showed plenty of tactical skill in the way he deployed his bowlers and had Stokes caught by the finer of two gully fielders he had cleverly deployed for the England talisman to spark a collapse that saw the hosts lose five wickets for 30 runs on Saturday.

<h2>Buttler's bad service</h2>

England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler's run of low scores in Test cricket continued with innings of 35 and nine at Southampton.

He was recalled to the Test side in one of Ed Smith's first acts as national selector in the hope he could transfer his one-day batting form into the five-day game.

But Buttler is now averaging a mediocre 21.38 from his last 11 Tests and the World Cup-winner also dropped Jermaine Blackwood on 20 before the West Indies batsman made a match-clinching 95 on Sunday.

England have Ben Foakes in their squad, with the Surrey wicketkeeper -- arguably a better gloveman than Buttler -- boasting a Test batting average of 41.30.&nbsp;

Foakes has also made one Test hundred in five matches compared to Buttler's one in 42.

<h2>Denly debate</h2>

The 33-year-old is in the England side as a specialist batsman but his dismissal for 29 on the fourth day means he has gone eight Test innings without reaching 40.

One of either Denly or Zak Crawley, who made 76 on Saturday, is set to make way when captain Joe Root returns for the second Test.

And it increasingly looks like Denly will be dropped with his innings on Saturday, which ended when he tamely chipped off-spinner Roston Chase to short midwicket, another example of an infuriating habit of throwing his wicket away after a sound start.&nbsp;

<h2>No crowds but plenty of passion</h2>

Spectators are barred from this three-match series as a health measure to combat COVID-19.

That had raised fears players might not be able to replicate their usual levels of intensity &nbsp;but there was no lack of effort or skill, even though England stand-in skipper Ben Stokes admitted the atmosphere was "strange". &nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Umpires need to get their eye in</h2>

This was an awkward match for English officials Richard Illingworth and Richard Kettleborough after the International Cricket Council relaxed rules on home umpires standing in Tests because of virus restrictions.

At one stage the pair saw five successive decisions overturned on review in favour of the West Indies.

The ICC have given teams an additional review each innings of this series to compensate for the lack of neutral officials and this Test was a reminder that umpires, just as much as players, need match time before entering the international arena.

International cricket returned from lockdown in style as the West Indies beat England by four wickets in the first Test at Southampton. AFP Sport looks at five key points from a match that took place against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic.

International cricket returned from lockdown in style as the West Indies beat England by four wickets in the first Test at Southampton. AFP Sport looks at five key points from a match that took place against the backdrop of the coronavirus pandemic. Holder heroics West Indies captain Jason Holder led from the front by taking a Test-best 6-42 in England's lowly first-innings 204 and the world's top-ranked all-rounder twice dismissed home counterpart Ben Stokes in this match as well. He also showed plenty of tactical skill in the way he deployed his bowlers and had Stokes caught by the finer of two gully fielders he had cleverly deployed for the England talisman to spark a collapse that saw the hosts lose five wickets for 30 runs on Saturday. Buttler's bad service England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler's run of low scores in Test cricket continued with innings of 35 and nine at Southampton. He was recalled to the Test side in one of Ed Smith's first acts as national selector in the hope he could transfer his one-day batting form into the five-day game. But Buttler is now averaging a mediocre 21.38 from his last 11 Tests and the World Cup-winner also dropped Jermaine Blackwood on 20 before the West Indies batsman made a match-clinching 95 on Sunday. England have Ben Foakes in their squad, with the Surrey wicketkeeper -- arguably a better gloveman than Buttler -- boasting a Test batting average of 41.30. Foakes has also made one Test hundred in five matches compared to Buttler's one in 42. Denly debate The 33-year-old is in the England side as a specialist batsman but his dismissal for 29 on the fourth day means he has gone eight Test innings without reaching 40. One of either Denly or Zak Crawley, who made 76 on Saturday, is set to make way when captain Joe Root returns for the second Test. And it increasingly looks like Denly will be dropped with his innings on Saturday, which ended when he tamely chipped off-spinner Roston Chase to short midwicket, another example of an infuriating habit of throwing his wicket away after a sound start. No crowds but plenty of passion Spectators are barred from this three-match series as a health measure to combat COVID-19. That had raised fears players might not be able to replicate their usual levels of intensity but there was no lack of effort or skill, even though England stand-in skipper Ben Stokes admitted the atmosphere was "strange". Umpires need to get their eye in This was an awkward match for English officials Richard Illingworth and Richard Kettleborough after the International Cricket Council relaxed rules on home umpires standing in Tests because of virus restrictions. At one stage the pair saw five successive decisions overturned on review in favour of the West Indies. The ICC have given teams an additional review each innings of this series to compensate for the lack of neutral officials and this Test was a reminder that umpires, just as much as players, need match time before entering the international arena.

England vs West Indies: Five things we learned from the first Test

West Indies captain Jason Holder said "my Test is far from over" after he rocked England with a career-best six-wicket haul on the second day of the series opener at Southampton on Thursday.

Holder, the world's top-ranked all-rounder, took 6-42 as England were dismissed for 204 to surpass his previous Test-best of 6-59 against Bangladesh at Kingston two years ago.

It was the sixth time in his last 10 Tests that the towering paceman had taken five or more wickets in an innings, with Thursday's return including the prize scalp of rival all-rounder and stand-in England captain Ben Stokes.

West Indies have not won a Test series in England since 1988 but they hold the Wisden Trophy after a 2-1 success in the Caribbean last year -- when Holder made an unbeaten double century in an opening win at his Barbados home ground.

"I have done a good job so far but my Test is far from over," Holder told reporters after bad light forced an early close with West Indies 57-1, a deficit of 147 runs.&nbsp;

"I have a massive contribution to make with the bat," the 28-year-old added.

Holder had been struggling with an ankle injury in the lead-up to the series -- the first Test campaign since lockdown -- but still troubled England with his accuracy and late movement.&nbsp;

<h2>- 'Big wicket' -</h2>

He also led from the front.

West Indies had twice dropped Stokes, second in the Test all-rounder rankings, before Holder had him caught behind for 43, the top score of the innings, to end a stand of 67 with Jos Buttler (35).

"It was a big wicket to get," said Holder. "We put down two chances and he was looking to make us pay.&nbsp;

"His partnership with Jos was starting to blossom into something that could really hurt us.&nbsp;

"But I was getting just enough movement to keep him at bay, keep him playing and eventually got the edge."

Holder added he had a particular reason for wanting to do well in England this time.

"I really wanted to get on the honours board at Lord's," Holder said.&nbsp;

"We were scheduled to play there but then due to COVID they shuffled it around," he added of a series where the bio-secure grounds of the Ageas Bowl and Old Trafford, the venue for the last two Tests, are being used instead.

"One of the things I have always strived to do is to score a hundred in England and get a five-wicket haul. I've ticked one box, now it's time to knuckle down and get a hundred."

England opted to leave out veteran paceman Stuart Broad and deploy fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Mark Wood together for the first time in a Test.

But although both Archer and Wood topped speeds of 90 mph, it was James Anderson -- England's all-time most successful Test bowler -- who took the lone wicket of John Campbell.&nbsp;

"I think they are on top," said Wood of the West Indies.&nbsp;

"They have done really well today, bowled really well, showed us the way to go."&nbsp;

But Wood said the fact West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel took 4-62 meant he didn't have to cut his pace.

"Gabriel got four wickets and he bowls quick, so that doesn't mean me and Jofra need to bowl slower."

West Indies captain Jason Holder said "my Test is far from over" after he rocked England with a career-best six-wicket haul on the second day of the series opener at Southampton on Thursday.

West Indies captain Jason Holder said "my Test is far from over" after he rocked England with a career-best six-wicket haul on the second day of the series opener at Southampton on Thursday. Holder, the world's top-ranked all-rounder, took 6-42 as England were dismissed for 204 to surpass his previous Test-best of 6-59 against Bangladesh at Kingston two years ago. It was the sixth time in his last 10 Tests that the towering paceman had taken five or more wickets in an innings, with Thursday's return including the prize scalp of rival all-rounder and stand-in England captain Ben Stokes. West Indies have not won a Test series in England since 1988 but they hold the Wisden Trophy after a 2-1 success in the Caribbean last year -- when Holder made an unbeaten double century in an opening win at his Barbados home ground. "I have done a good job so far but my Test is far from over," Holder told reporters after bad light forced an early close with West Indies 57-1, a deficit of 147 runs. "I have a massive contribution to make with the bat," the 28-year-old added. Holder had been struggling with an ankle injury in the lead-up to the series -- the first Test campaign since lockdown -- but still troubled England with his accuracy and late movement. - 'Big wicket' - He also led from the front. West Indies had twice dropped Stokes, second in the Test all-rounder rankings, before Holder had him caught behind for 43, the top score of the innings, to end a stand of 67 with Jos Buttler (35). "It was a big wicket to get," said Holder. "We put down two chances and he was looking to make us pay. "His partnership with Jos was starting to blossom into something that could really hurt us. "But I was getting just enough movement to keep him at bay, keep him playing and eventually got the edge." Holder added he had a particular reason for wanting to do well in England this time. "I really wanted to get on the honours board at Lord's," Holder said. "We were scheduled to play there but then due to COVID they shuffled it around," he added of a series where the bio-secure grounds of the Ageas Bowl and Old Trafford, the venue for the last two Tests, are being used instead. "One of the things I have always strived to do is to score a hundred in England and get a five-wicket haul. I've ticked one box, now it's time to knuckle down and get a hundred." England opted to leave out veteran paceman Stuart Broad and deploy fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Mark Wood together for the first time in a Test. But although both Archer and Wood topped speeds of 90 mph, it was James Anderson -- England's all-time most successful Test bowler -- who took the lone wicket of John Campbell. "I think they are on top," said Wood of the West Indies. "They have done really well today, bowled really well, showed us the way to go." But Wood said the fact West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel took 4-62 meant he didn't have to cut his pace. "Gabriel got four wickets and he bowls quick, so that doesn't mean me and Jofra need to bowl slower."

Windies skipper Holder says he has more to do after six-wicket England haul

Batting great Brian Lara has said West Indies’ best chance of victory against England is to race out to an early lead and secure the win inside five days.

All-rounder Jason Holder is part of the tourists’ impressive bowling attack but questions remain about their batting ahead of the series opener beginning in Southampton later on Wednesday.

“They have to be able to pounce immediately,” the former West Indies captain told BBC Sport.

“England are not beaten very easily at home and are overwhelming favourites.

“They have to hit the road running and stamp their authority on England.

“I don’t think they can last five days, so they have to take these games in four days. They have to establish a lead and keep it.”

The three-test series, to be played in a bio-secure environment and without spectators, marks the resumption of international cricket after the coronavirus shutdown.

“It’s going to be a series that’s watched all around the world and everybody is hoping to see a competitive series,” said Lara, whose 400 not out against England remains test cricket’s highest individual score.

Batting great Brian Lara has said West Indies’ best chance of victory against England is to race out to an early lead and secure the win inside five days. All-rounder Jason Holder is part of the tourists’ impressive bowling attack but questions remain about their batting ahead of the series opener beginning in Southampton later on Wednesday.

Batting great Brian Lara has said West Indies’ best chance of victory against England is to race out to an early lead and secure the win inside five days. All-rounder Jason Holder is part of the tourists’ impressive bowling attack but questions remain about their batting ahead of the series opener beginning in Southampton later on Wednesday. “They have to be able to pounce immediately,” the former West Indies captain told BBC Sport. “England are not beaten very easily at home and are overwhelming favourites. “They have to hit the road running and stamp their authority on England. “I don’t think they can last five days, so they have to take these games in four days. They have to establish a lead and keep it.” The three-test series, to be played in a bio-secure environment and without spectators, marks the resumption of international cricket after the coronavirus shutdown. “It’s going to be a series that’s watched all around the world and everybody is hoping to see a competitive series,” said Lara, whose 400 not out against England remains test cricket’s highest individual score.

West Indies must try to win inside four days, Brian Lara says

England, West Indies take a knee in first Test as cricket returns in slightly different look

Rain delayed the start on Wednesday of the first Test between England and the West Indies at Southampton, the first international match since March.

The eagerly anticipated fixture marks the sport's global return from months of coronavirus-enforced lockdown.

But as the players warmed up on the outfield under grey skies, there was sufficient rain for the Ageas Bowl pitch to remain fully covered and prevent the toss taking place at 0930 GMT as scheduled.

No spectators will be allowed to attend the three-Test series, which concludes with two matches at Old Trafford.

Players and officials are staying at on-site hotels to stop the spread of COVID-19, with bowlers unable to use saliva to shine the ball as a health measure.

LIVE |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-vs-west-indies-1st-test-day-1-live-updates-toss-delayed-due-to-gloomy-weather-311592" hreflang="en">England vs West Indies 1st Test, Day 1 Live Updates: Toss delayed due to gloomy weather</a>

International travel restrictions mean that, for the first time since 2002, both on-field umpires came from one of the competing teams, with English officials Richard Kettleborough and Richard Illingworth in the middle.

Match referee Chris Broad could find himself presiding over a match involving his son Stuart if the England paceman is selected in the hosts' final XI.

But any disciplinary issues are set to be referred to a remote referee.

Ben Stokes will captain England for the first time, with regular skipper Joe Root missing the match because of the birth of his second child.

West Indies have not won a Test series in England since 1988 but they hold the Wisden Trophy after a 2-1 series win in the Caribbean last year.

Jason Holder's side have gone ahead with the tour even though Britain has the highest virus toll in Europe, with more than 44,000 deaths.

Rain delayed the start on Wednesday of the first Test between England and the West Indies at Southampton, the first international match since March. The eagerly anticipated fixture marks the sport's global return from months of coronavirus-enforced lockdown.

Rain delayed the start on Wednesday of the first Test between England and the West Indies at Southampton, the first international match since March. The eagerly anticipated fixture marks the sport's global return from months of coronavirus-enforced lockdown. But as the players warmed up on the outfield under grey skies, there was sufficient rain for the Ageas Bowl pitch to remain fully covered and prevent the toss taking place at 0930 GMT as scheduled. No spectators will be allowed to attend the three-Test series, which concludes with two matches at Old Trafford. Players and officials are staying at on-site hotels to stop the spread of COVID-19, with bowlers unable to use saliva to shine the ball as a health measure. LIVE | England vs West Indies 1st Test, Day 1 Live Updates: Toss delayed due to gloomy weather International travel restrictions mean that, for the first time since 2002, both on-field umpires came from one of the competing teams, with English officials Richard Kettleborough and Richard Illingworth in the middle. Match referee Chris Broad could find himself presiding over a match involving his son Stuart if the England paceman is selected in the hosts' final XI. But any disciplinary issues are set to be referred to a remote referee. Ben Stokes will captain England for the first time, with regular skipper Joe Root missing the match because of the birth of his second child. West Indies have not won a Test series in England since 1988 but they hold the Wisden Trophy after a 2-1 series win in the Caribbean last year. Jason Holder's side have gone ahead with the tour even though Britain has the highest virus toll in Europe, with more than 44,000 deaths.

Rain delays international cricket's return in England-West Indies Test

Key worker heroes from across the cricket family were on Wednesday honoured by having their names displayed on the training shirts of the England Men’s Test team ahead of the start of the first #raisethebat Test against the West Indies.

The three-Test series, taking place behind closed doors, is honouring and celebrating the heroes who have been going above and beyond to help others during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today, the England Men’s players and coaches took to the pitch at The Ageas Bowl, Southampton, wearing the names of key workers on their training shirts before the start of the match. The people named on the shirts were all nominated by their local cricket clubs and include teachers, doctors, nurses, carers and other vital professions.

Each key worker will now receive the shirt bearing their name, signed by the player who wore it, to thank them for the work they’ve been doing. Their names and photos will also be highlighted in broadcast partners’ Sky and BBC’s coverage and displayed across the ground on the big screens and LED banners.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-vs-west-indies-1st-test-day-1-live-updates-stokes-and-holder-face-off-as-international-cricket-returns-311592" hreflang="en">England vs West Indies 1st Test, Day 1 Live Updates: Stokes and Holder face-off as international cricket returns</a>

Ben Stokes, who is captaining England in the first Test while Joe Root is away for the birth of his second child, took to the pitch wearing the name of Durham-local Dr Vikas Kumar, a specialist in anaesthetics and critical care at Darlington Memorial Hospital.

Through the pandemic, Dr Kumar, a keen cricketer who plays at Cowgate Cricket Club in Newcastle and the Gilli Boys Amateur Club in Darlington, has been working on the frontline while also being there for his family at home.

Ben Stokes said:&nbsp;“We’re only able to play this Test match because of the amazing job that key workers up and down the country have done to help us through this pandemic. Wearing their names is a real honour for us, and is a small sign of our appreciation for the incredible work they have done. They have truly gone in to bat for us all, and it makes me proud of how the whole cricket family has responded to help us get through these unprecedented times.”

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/eng-vs-wi-1st-test-weather-updates-and-forecast-for-day-1-in-southampton-311576" hreflang="en">ENG vs WI 1st Test: Weather updates and forecast for Day 1 in Southampton</a>

Dr Vikas Kumar, whose name featured on Ben Stokes’s shirt, said:&nbsp;“The past four months have been very difficult, but it was a wonderful surprise to find out that Ben Stokes of all people is wearing my name on his training shirt. So many of my colleagues at work and at the cricket club have been working so hard and made big sacrifices, so this is for them as well.”

The other key workers being celebrated today include:

<ul data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">
	<li data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">Dr Samara Afzal, a GP in Birmingham, who shared the moment with Chris Woakes, also a West-Midlands local. Dr Afzal is a chief medical adviser to the National Asian Cricket Council and last year supported a successful pilot which used cricket as a way to get her female patients from the South Asian community more action.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<ul data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">
	<li data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">Sussex-based paramedic Joe Wheatley is one of those honoured, with Sussex player Jofra Archer wearing the Barcombe Cricket Club member’s name on his training shirt. Joe offers fantastic support to those he treats and their families, often being a patient’s first contact with medical staff during an emergency. When he’s not driving an ambulance, he’s manning the heavy roller as Barcombe’s groundsman and has kept the pitches maintained throughout the postponement of recreational cricket.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<ul data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">
	<li data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">Chris Tall is a pillar of his local cricket club, Newark Ransome &amp; Marles Cricket Club, where he volunteers as groundsman, coach and on the committee. He had to step away from his club as the pandemic developed, however, to focus his attention on caring for the residents in the care home at which he works. His efforts and sacrifices at such a crucial time led to his teammates nominating him. This morning he featured on the shirt of Stuart Broad who plays for Chris’s home county of Nottinghamshire.</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

<ul data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">
	<li data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">Pace bowler Mark Wood will recognise local hero Susan Bainbridge on his training shirt. Susan is a volunteer at the North East Ambulance Service but in her spare time runs Zumba classes for older people throughout Teesdale. During the pandemic, the Middleton-in-Teesdale cricketer has taken her exercise classes online through Zoom to ensure the community can keep active.</li>
</ul>

Tom Harrison, ECB Chief Executive Officer, said:&nbsp;“Along with fans up and down the country, we are very excited that our England Men’s players are back on the cricket field today. However, we will never forget those we’ve lost and the sacrifices made by so many people during this pandemic. Key workers and volunteers across the country have often put their own lives on the line to keep us safe, and it’s right that today we say a small thank you to some of those from the cricket family who have done us so proud.”

<h2 data-ogsc="rgb(85, 85, 85)">English players wearing the name of key workers:</h2>

Ben Foakes – Emily Blakemore, Nurse

Ollie Robinson – Dr Nasir Ali, Emergency Medicine Consultant at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital

Jofra Archer – Joe Wheatley, Paramedic

Jack Leach – Ollie Clarke, NHS volunteer

Olly Stone – Holly Buxton, Organiser of the COVID-19 Community Workforce for the elderly

Dominic Bess – Wendy Morris, Nurse

Mark Wood – Susan Bainbridge, NEAS Ambulance Volunteer

Stuart Broad – Chris Tall , Care Home Worker

James Anderson – Tom Field, Nurse Practitioner

Dan Lawrence – Richard Freeman, Police Officer

Joe Denly – Anna Tunnicliff, A&amp;E Sister

Zak Crawley – Debi Armstrong, Specialist Nurse

Craig Overton – Dale Hardy, Head Teacher at Sir Robert Pattinson Academy

James Bracey – Harikrishna Shah, Clinic Coordinator

Chris Woakes – Dr Samara Afzal – Doctor

Ben Stokes – Dr Vikas Kumar, Specialist in Anaesthetics and Critical Care

Saqib Mahmood – Kishan Aghada, Physiotherapist

Sam Curran – Victor Hinds, Hospital Distribution Officer

Ollie Pope – Yahya Hafejee, Support Leader at Department for Work and Pensions

Rory Burns – Sharmyn Kennedy, Teacher

Jos Buttler – Dr Jamasp Kaikhusroo Dastur, Surgeon

Dom Sibley – Mohammed Banaris, Operations Manager for G4S and ran COVID-19 testing centre

Chris Silverwood – Matthew Rammell, Respiratory Physiotherapist

Graham Thorpe – Dr Chris Boyson, Doctor

Phil Scott – Chantel Jacklin, Healthcare Assistant&nbsp;

Key worker heroes from across the cricket family were on Wednesday honoured by having their names displayed on the training shirts of the England Men’s Test team ahead of the start of the first #raisethebat Test against the West Indies.

Key worker heroes from across the cricket family were on Wednesday honoured by having their names displayed on the training shirts of the England Men’s Test team ahead of the start of the first #raisethebat Test against the West Indies. The three-Test series, taking place behind closed doors, is honouring and celebrating the heroes who have been going above and beyond to help others during the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, the England Men’s players and coaches took to the pitch at The Ageas Bowl, Southampton, wearing the names of key workers on their training shirts before the start of the match. The people named on the shirts were all nominated by their local cricket clubs and include teachers, doctors, nurses, carers and other vital professions. Each key worker will now receive the shirt bearing their name, signed by the player who wore it, to thank them for the work they’ve been doing. Their names and photos will also be highlighted in broadcast partners’ Sky and BBC’s coverage and displayed across the ground on the big screens and LED banners. ALSO READ: England vs West Indies 1st Test, Day 1 Live Updates: Stokes and Holder face-off as international cricket returns Ben Stokes, who is captaining England in the first Test while Joe Root is away for the birth of his second child, took to the pitch wearing the name of Durham-local Dr Vikas Kumar, a specialist in anaesthetics and critical care at Darlington Memorial Hospital. Through the pandemic, Dr Kumar, a keen cricketer who plays at Cowgate Cricket Club in Newcastle and the Gilli Boys Amateur Club in Darlington, has been working on the frontline while also being there for his family at home. Ben Stokes said: “We’re only able to play this Test match because of the amazing job that key workers up and down the country have done to help us through this pandemic. Wearing their names is a real honour for us, and is a small sign of our appreciation for the incredible work they have done. They have truly gone in to bat for us all, and it makes me proud of how the whole cricket family has responded to help us get through these unprecedented times.” ALSO READ: ENG vs WI 1st Test: Weather updates and forecast for Day 1 in Southampton Dr Vikas Kumar, whose name featured on Ben Stokes’s shirt, said: “The past four months have been very difficult, but it was a wonderful surprise to find out that Ben Stokes of all people is wearing my name on his training shirt. So many of my colleagues at work and at the cricket club have been working so hard and made big sacrifices, so this is for them as well.” The other key workers being celebrated today include: Dr Samara Afzal, a GP in Birmingham, who shared the moment with Chris Woakes, also a West-Midlands local. Dr Afzal is a chief medical adviser to the National Asian Cricket Council and last year supported a successful pilot which used cricket as a way to get her female patients from the South Asian community more action. Sussex-based paramedic Joe Wheatley is one of those honoured, with Sussex player Jofra Archer wearing the Barcombe Cricket Club member’s name on his training shirt. Joe offers fantastic support to those he treats and their families, often being a patient’s first contact with medical staff during an emergency. When he’s not driving an ambulance, he’s manning the heavy roller as Barcombe’s groundsman and has kept the pitches maintained throughout the postponement of recreational cricket. Chris Tall is a pillar of his local cricket club, Newark Ransome & Marles Cricket Club, where he volunteers as groundsman, coach and on the committee. He had to step away from his club as the pandemic developed, however, to focus his attention on caring for the residents in the care home at which he works. His efforts and sacrifices at such a crucial time led to his teammates nominating him. This morning he featured on the shirt of Stuart Broad who plays for Chris’s home county of Nottinghamshire. Pace bowler Mark Wood will recognise local hero Susan Bainbridge on his training shirt. Susan is a volunteer at the North East Ambulance Service but in her spare time runs Zumba classes for older people throughout Teesdale. During the pandemic, the Middleton-in-Teesdale cricketer has taken her exercise classes online through Zoom to ensure the community can keep active. Tom Harrison, ECB Chief Executive Officer, said: “Along with fans up and down the country, we are very excited that our England Men’s players are back on the cricket field today. However, we will never forget those we’ve lost and the sacrifices made by so many people during this pandemic. Key workers and volunteers across the country have often put their own lives on the line to keep us safe, and it’s right that today we say a small thank you to some of those from the cricket family who have done us so proud.” English players wearing the name of key workers: Ben Foakes – Emily Blakemore, Nurse Ollie Robinson – Dr Nasir Ali, Emergency Medicine Consultant at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Jofra Archer – Joe Wheatley, Paramedic Jack Leach – Ollie Clarke, NHS volunteer Olly Stone – Holly Buxton, Organiser of the COVID-19 Community Workforce for the elderly Dominic Bess – Wendy Morris, Nurse Mark Wood – Susan Bainbridge, NEAS Ambulance Volunteer Stuart Broad – Chris Tall , Care Home Worker James Anderson – Tom Field, Nurse Practitioner Dan Lawrence – Richard Freeman, Police Officer Joe Denly – Anna Tunnicliff, A&E Sister Zak Crawley – Debi Armstrong, Specialist Nurse Craig Overton – Dale Hardy, Head Teacher at Sir Robert Pattinson Academy James Bracey – Harikrishna Shah, Clinic Coordinator Chris Woakes – Dr Samara Afzal – Doctor Ben Stokes – Dr Vikas Kumar, Specialist in Anaesthetics and Critical Care Saqib Mahmood – Kishan Aghada, Physiotherapist Sam Curran – Victor Hinds, Hospital Distribution Officer Ollie Pope – Yahya Hafejee, Support Leader at Department for Work and Pensions Rory Burns – Sharmyn Kennedy, Teacher Jos Buttler – Dr Jamasp Kaikhusroo Dastur, Surgeon Dom Sibley – Mohammed Banaris, Operations Manager for G4S and ran COVID-19 testing centre Chris Silverwood – Matthew Rammell, Respiratory Physiotherapist Graham Thorpe – Dr Chris Boyson, Doctor Phil Scott – Chantel Jacklin, Healthcare Assistant

ENG vs WI: Ben Stokes leads tribute with key worker names featuring on his team’s shirts as first Test gets under way

Ben Stokes on Wednesday will become the latest captain to lead England in Test cricket as the ace all-rounder will replace Joe Root for the first Test against West Indies in Southampton. Root is set to miss the opener to attend the birth of his second child. Ahead of the Southampton Test, Stokes said he will follow Root's advice and lead England in his own way.

Stokes revealed that he received a message from Root when he got his official photos for the Test series done in the blazer. Root simply left a message on the hanger which said 'Do it your way'.

"The best message that I have received was when I got my photos done yesterday (Monday) in the blazer," said the star all-rounder. "Rooty just left a message on the hanger which said 'Do it your way'.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/england-vs-west-indies-preview-international-cricket-returns-to-life-311385" hreflang="en">England vs West Indies Preview: International cricket returns to life!</a>

<h2>Just because Joe is not here doesn't mean I am not going to use him: Ben Stokes</h2>

Stokes is even open to contacting Root if required during the course of the Test as the all-rounder said that with Root not being present with the squad doesn't mean England won't use him. Stokes further said that he was sure Root will always be available on call if needed.

"Just because Joe is not here doesn't mean I am not going to use him," said Stokes, who will be captaining a team for the first time since he was a teenager.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/all-rounders-stokes-and-holder-to-lead-from-the-front-311301" hreflang="en">All-rounders Stokes and Holder to lead from the front</a>

"With Joe and his personal situation, it's been about letting him deal with that. "I haven't been on him too much but I am sure when the Test match starts, I know for a fact he will be at home watching and I know that his phone will always be available for me to get in contact with him if I need to."

The first Test in Southampton, which will take place behind closed doors, will mark the return of international cricket after a prolonged break due to COVID-19. And Stokes is of the view that precautions taken by England and the West Indies could serve as a model for other sports.

"There are obviously a lot of rules and regulations that have been put in place for this to happen," said Stokes.

"I feel as though a lot of respect has been shown from both sides to make sure this works. Because if you get one thing wrong, it might blow this whole 'get the sport back on to the radar of people' further back.

"We'll be doing everything we can to make sure we don't mess it up."

Stokes said the absence of spectators would be no reason for England to let their standards slip in what will be a "massive occasion".

"We can't use that as an excuse to not feel up for this game because we know we have hundreds of thousands of people following us and wanting us to do well back home watching us on TV."

England and the West Indies will wear Black Lives Matter logos on their shirts in support of the campaign against racial injustice and Stokes said Tuesday his side planned a further "gesture", although he did not specify if this would mean taking a knee.

"We aren’t in any way shape or form showing support towards any political matters on the movement," said Stokes. "We are all about equality through society and sport."

Ben Stokes on Wednesday will become the latest captain to lead England in Test cricket as the ace all-rounder will replace Joe Root for the first Test against West Indies in Southampton.

Ben Stokes on Wednesday will become the latest captain to lead England in Test cricket as the ace all-rounder will replace Joe Root for the first Test against West Indies in Southampton. Root is set to miss the opener to attend the birth of his second child. Ahead of the Southampton Test, Stokes said he will follow Root's advice and lead England in his own way. Stokes revealed that he received a message from Root when he got his official photos for the Test series done in the blazer. Root simply left a message on the hanger which said 'Do it your way'. "The best message that I have received was when I got my photos done yesterday (Monday) in the blazer," said the star all-rounder. "Rooty just left a message on the hanger which said 'Do it your way'. ALSO READ: England vs West Indies Preview: International cricket returns to life! Just because Joe is not here doesn't mean I am not going to use him: Ben Stokes Stokes is even open to contacting Root if required during the course of the Test as the all-rounder said that with Root not being present with the squad doesn't mean England won't use him. Stokes further said that he was sure Root will always be available on call if needed. "Just because Joe is not here doesn't mean I am not going to use him," said Stokes, who will be captaining a team for the first time since he was a teenager. ALSO READ: All-rounders Stokes and Holder to lead from the front "With Joe and his personal situation, it's been about letting him deal with that. "I haven't been on him too much but I am sure when the Test match starts, I know for a fact he will be at home watching and I know that his phone will always be available for me to get in contact with him if I need to." The first Test in Southampton, which will take place behind closed doors, will mark the return of international cricket after a prolonged break due to COVID-19. And Stokes is of the view that precautions taken by England and the West Indies could serve as a model for other sports. "There are obviously a lot of rules and regulations that have been put in place for this to happen," said Stokes. "I feel as though a lot of respect has been shown from both sides to make sure this works. Because if you get one thing wrong, it might blow this whole 'get the sport back on to the radar of people' further back. "We'll be doing everything we can to make sure we don't mess it up." Stokes said the absence of spectators would be no reason for England to let their standards slip in what will be a "massive occasion". "We can't use that as an excuse to not feel up for this game because we know we have hundreds of thousands of people following us and wanting us to do well back home watching us on TV." England and the West Indies will wear Black Lives Matter logos on their shirts in support of the campaign against racial injustice and Stokes said Tuesday his side planned a further "gesture", although he did not specify if this would mean taking a knee. "We aren’t in any way shape or form showing support towards any political matters on the movement," said Stokes. "We are all about equality through society and sport."

ENG vs WI: Ben Stokes to follow Joe Root's advice and captain England 'his way'

West Indies are set to field their latest fast-bowling quartet during this week's first Test against England in Southampton, with the likes of Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach, captain Jason Holder and Alzarri Joseph all vying to make an impact.

The Caribbean has a long and proud history of producing top-class fast bowlers.

AFP Sport looks back at some previous West Indies pace attacks in England:

<h2>1980: Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Joel Garner, Colin Croft</h2>

-- The original 'fearsome foursome' revolutionised world cricket under the captaincy of Clive Lloyd by ensuring there was no respite for batsmen even when the shine had gone off the ball.

Although all capable of being genuinely quick, the guile of Roberts, the speed through the air of Holding, the steepling bounce and crushing yorkers of the 6ft 8in Garner and the awkwardness of Croft, from wide of the crease or around the wicket, meant they each posed different problems for batsmen.

Meanwhile this series also saw Malcolm Marshall, arguably the greatest West Indies fast bowler of them all, start to establish himself in the side.

Even so, the West Indies only won the series 1-0, with Roberts taking eight wickets in a two-wicket win in the opener at Trent Bridge before the other four matches were all drawn largely due to weather interruptions.

<h2>1984: Marshall, Garner, Holding, Eldine Baptiste</h2>

-- The 'Blackwash' team hammered England 5-0. The writing was on the wall for the hosts when Marshall struck debutant Andy Lloyd on the head with a bouncer in the series opener, with the batsman never playing another Test.

Marshall's mastery was evident when he took seven for 53 in the third Test at Headingley despite a broken thumb an he finished the series with 24 wickets at 18.20 despite missing a match through injury. Barbados team-mate Garner took 29 wickets at 18.62.

<h2>1988: Marshall, Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Winston Benjamin/Patrick Patterson</h2>

-- West Indies won 4-0 in a series where England's disarray was summed up by the fact they got through four captains.

Marshall, capable of both sheer pace and late movement, led the way with 35 wickets at a staggeringly low average of 12.65 apiece, with Ambrose -- soon to become the leader of the attack -- and Walsh offering excellent support.

<h2>1995: Ambrose, Walsh, Kenny Benjamin, Ian Bishop</h2>

-- With the likes of batting greats Gordon Greenidge and Vivian Richards having now both retired, the West Indies found themselves held to a 2-2 draw in a six-Test series.

But all four frontline bowlers still took more than 21 wickets each.

Nevertheless there were signs the West Indies were not the force they had been and in 2000 England beat them in a series for the first time in 31 years.

West Indies are set to field their latest fast-bowling quartet during this week's first Test against England in Southampton, with the likes of Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach, captain Jason Holder and Alzarri Joseph all vying to make an impact.

West Indies are set to field their latest fast-bowling quartet during this week's first Test against England in Southampton, with the likes of Shannon Gabriel, Kemar Roach, captain Jason Holder and Alzarri Joseph all vying to make an impact. The Caribbean has a long and proud history of producing top-class fast bowlers. AFP Sport looks back at some previous West Indies pace attacks in England: 1980: Andy Roberts, Michael Holding, Joel Garner, Colin Croft -- The original 'fearsome foursome' revolutionised world cricket under the captaincy of Clive Lloyd by ensuring there was no respite for batsmen even when the shine had gone off the ball. Although all capable of being genuinely quick, the guile of Roberts, the speed through the air of Holding, the steepling bounce and crushing yorkers of the 6ft 8in Garner and the awkwardness of Croft, from wide of the crease or around the wicket, meant they each posed different problems for batsmen. Meanwhile this series also saw Malcolm Marshall, arguably the greatest West Indies fast bowler of them all, start to establish himself in the side. Even so, the West Indies only won the series 1-0, with Roberts taking eight wickets in a two-wicket win in the opener at Trent Bridge before the other four matches were all drawn largely due to weather interruptions. 1984: Marshall, Garner, Holding, Eldine Baptiste -- The 'Blackwash' team hammered England 5-0. The writing was on the wall for the hosts when Marshall struck debutant Andy Lloyd on the head with a bouncer in the series opener, with the batsman never playing another Test. Marshall's mastery was evident when he took seven for 53 in the third Test at Headingley despite a broken thumb an he finished the series with 24 wickets at 18.20 despite missing a match through injury. Barbados team-mate Garner took 29 wickets at 18.62. 1988: Marshall, Curtly Ambrose, Courtney Walsh, Winston Benjamin/Patrick Patterson -- West Indies won 4-0 in a series where England's disarray was summed up by the fact they got through four captains. Marshall, capable of both sheer pace and late movement, led the way with 35 wickets at a staggeringly low average of 12.65 apiece, with Ambrose -- soon to become the leader of the attack -- and Walsh offering excellent support. 1995: Ambrose, Walsh, Kenny Benjamin, Ian Bishop -- With the likes of batting greats Gordon Greenidge and Vivian Richards having now both retired, the West Indies found themselves held to a 2-2 draw in a six-Test series. But all four frontline bowlers still took more than 21 wickets each. Nevertheless there were signs the West Indies were not the force they had been and in 2000 England beat them in a series for the first time in 31 years.

West Indies unleash latest 'Fab Four' in England

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