Watch: James Anderson Follows Hygienic Practices In England's Warm-Up Game Ahead Of The Test Series

England veteran paceman James Anderson led the way in ushering a brand-new era the sport shall be played from now on temporarily. The Englishmen engaged in an intra-squad three-day warm-up match in Southampton on Wednesday, kickstarting their preparations for the forthcoming series against the West Indies. James Anderson teamed up with Team Stokes to take on Team Buttler.

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International cricket will resume for the first time in more than three months, which stood suspended due to the COVID-19 health crisis. While the cricketing fraternity cannot wait for the sport to return, it would arrive with plenty of tinkering. The matches would be contested in empty stadiums while extra precautions would be in place to curb the spread of the virus. The first of the three Tests is set to get underway on the 8th of July at Aegeas Bowl.

Meanwhile, James Anderson found his rhythm as he bowled the maximum number of overs for Team Stokes on day 1. The 37-year-old picked up two wickets as he retained his craft of moving the ball both ways, conceding runs at less than three runs per over. There existed no handshakes or hugs as a part of the celebration, but the teammates went for touching each other through their elbows.

In between overs, James Anderson also used sanitisers while the substitute players, who carried drinks wore gloves. The ICC has prohibited bodily contact in celebrations, sharing equipment like towel could enhance the risk of contracting the virus. The apex body also banned the use of saliva to shine the ball. The English players ensured to adhere to all the guidelines.

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James Anderson and Craig Overton keep Team Buttler in check:

As far as the match situation goes, Team Buttler, captained by Jos Buttler ended day one with 287-5 after Ben Stokes put them to bat. Stokes will also lead the Englishmen in the first Test in the absence of the regular captain, Joe Root.

James Bracey and Dan Lawrence struck half-centuries while the likes of Ollie Pope and Joe Denly made useful contributions.

Jos Buttler and Sam Curran remained unbeaten at 24 and 15 on the crease. Lancashire bowler Anderson dismissed Denly and Lawrence while Craig Overton removed Rory Burns and Pope. Craig’s brother Jamie plucked Bracey for 85.

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