England Are Favourites To Win Test Series At Home: Jason Holder

England are set to host the West Indies in a rescheduled three-Test series after a hiatus due to the novel coronavirus outbreak. The West Indies have arrived in Manchester and will undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine period as suggested by the UK government. The series will also mark the return of international cricket after it was a brought to a halt due to the pandemic which has gripped the world.

The three-Test series will get underway from July 8 at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton with the final-two Test being played at the Old Trafford in Manchester.

England are higher ranked, favourites in their backyard: Jason Holder

England are ranked fourth in Test rankings while the West Indies are eighth in the table. The touring team captain Jason Holder said a lot of things have changed in terms of the facilities and rules that needs to be adapted in a Covid-19 world. He also said that England are a higher ranked side and the favourites to win the Test series in their own backyard.

“So many things have changed from then to now, conditions being one of them. To call us favourites would be wrong. England are a higher ranked side than us and I think they are favourites in their back yard,” said Holder.

“There is lots to play for and lots to motivate you as a group. Guys are pumped up for the opportunity and the only sad thing is that we won’t be able to play in front of the crowds,” he added.

West Indies had beaten England 2-1 in the Wisden trophy last year but holder is not taking into account their past performances and wants to start afresh.