England vs West Indies 2020: 1st Test, West Indies Predicted XI

It’s finally happening that international cricket is coming back into the fold after four months of breakneck battle with a global health crisis. The West Indies arrived on the English shores in the first week of June to prepare for a high-voltage Test series. The tourists, including the support staff, have adhered to all the necessary rules and regulations as part of safety measures and are ready to take part in the series.

Also Read: England vs West Indies 2020: 1st Test – England’s Predicted Playing XI

The West Indies might be the current holders of the Wisden Trophy; however, their numbers don’t go for an impressive reading on the Englishmen’s backyard. The era headlined by Viv Richards was the time when the Caribbeans reigned supreme over England even on their enemy’s soil. However, it hasn’t been since 1988 that West Indies won a series there.

And their task could be an uphill one, considering Shimron Hetmyer and Darren Bravo’s unavailability in response to health concerns. But as much as England has improved from their South African tour, the visitors’ pacers could dent their work-in-progress top-order. Hence, the hosts need to be wary of it. And like last year, West Indies could again thrive on the “Underdogs” tag.

We take a look at West Indies’ predicted XI for the first Test against England:

Kraigg Brathwaite:

Kraigg Brathwaite will start the innings having remained within the West Indies’ setup since 2011. Brathwaite was part of the West Indies’ squad in their visit in 2017 and averaged 47.17 in three Tests with a century and fifty.

He struck 84 and 34 in the first warm-up game but failed in the second. Nevertheless, the 27-year old’s temperament at the top would have a crucial role to play.

John Campbell:

Partnering Brathwaite at the top would most likely be John Campbell. Campbell has played only six Tests so far, the first of which came against England during the home series last February. He scored 176 runs in three Tests at 35.20.

The Jamaican did not have a particularly impressive outing in the two warm-up games. His score of 49 in the second innings of the first match was the only notable one. John Campbell could likely have his first experience in the English conditions.

Shai Hope:

Shai Hope is the most crucial piece of the puzzle in the West Indies’ batting order. While the keeper-batsman has fared impressively well in ODI cricket, Hope is yet to reign supreme in Test cricket. However, Shai Hope was their best batsmen during their visit in 2017 and was highly responsible for their only victory.

The Barbadian’s knock of 147 helped West Indies chase down 322 in the fourth innings against a James Anderson-led attack in Leeds. Shai Hope averaged 75 with two centuries in that three-Test series. As far as the intra-squad matches go, the 26-year old warmed up with a knock of 83 in the first innings of the first game while the rest of the innings could not go as planned.

Shamrah Brooks:

In his three-Test career so far, Shamrah Brooks has a century and fifty while averaging a modest 34.80. On the other hand, it is not as encouraging since Anderson and co. pose a mammoth challenge for the newbie.

Shamrah Brooks warmed up by scoring 99 runs across three innings in the warm-up games with the best score of 83. As an inexperienced batsman in testing conditions, the Barbados batsman has the opportunity to prove his mettle in the absence of key players.

Roston Chase:

Roston Chase is the essential player in the middle-order as the focus will turn to him to anchor the innings, devoid of Shimron Hetymer and Darren Bravo. Chase has already declared his aim of scoring at least one century in the England tour.

Roston Chase is also one of the batsmen, who could not fare well in the warm-up games, managing 37 as his best score. The 28-year old’s last visit of England ended miserably too, dragging himself to 80 runs in three Tests at 13.33. With 1695 runs in 37 Tests at 31.38, the Barbadian will look to be a standout player this time.

Shane Dowrich (wk):

Yet another key man in the middle-order is keeper-batsman, Shane Dowrich. Shane Dowrich is another man, who endured a forgettable outing the last time West Indies visited England. Dowrich could not pass 14 in the English conditions in 2017 but asserted that he is ready for the challenge and expressed his will to succeed in challenging situations.

The 28-year old scored a fifty in the first warm-up game to stake his claim for the first Test and would most likely keep wickets. So far, he has played 31 Tests and scored 1444 runs at an average of 30.08. The 31 Tests have produced three centuries so far and he would be keen on registering at least one in England.

Jason Holder (c):

Jason Holder will not only have the responsibility of marshalling his troops but also play a significant role with the bat and ball. The number one Test all-rounder took the Englishmen at the Caribbean with a double-hundred and guided them to a series victory. The two Tests also saw him take seven wickets at 17.86.

While Holder could not do anything significant with the bat or ball in the practice games, the conditions at the Rose Bowl should suit him. In 40 Tests, the 28-year old has 1898 runs alongside three centuries while taking 106 scalps.

Rahkeem Cornwall:

Rahkeem Cornwall will most likely occupy the lone spinner’s spot. While the early scene in Southampton might favour the fast bowlers, the venue is heaven for spin-bowlers and could turn the game for visitors. The towering and bulky Antiguan has a five and ten-wicket haul in only two Tests.

While Cornwall is primarily known for his off-spin, he could also counterattack equally well. With the West Indies having a fragile batting line-up, the 27-year old can put the English bowlers under pressure through his power-hitting.

Shannon Gabriel:

Shannon Gabriel arrived in the United Kingdom as amongst the reserve players but fast-tracked himself to match fitness. Thus, Gabriel also made it to the 15-man squad and could most likely be one of the seamers.

The 32-year old picked up nine wickets in West Indies’ home series against England last year. With swing as a dominant factor in England, the Barbados seamer could fancy his chances against England’s top-order. He warmed up by taking eight wickets in the two warm-up games.

Raymond Reifer:

Left-arm speedster Raymond Reifer made his Test debut back in 2017 and took only two wickets. But he warmed himself with five wickets in the first warm-up match. By including Raymond Reifer, West Indies might have to leave out Alzarri Joseph, who picked up 10 wickets the last time against England. However, the prospect of unleashing an unknown pacer gives West Indies an edge.

Kemar Roach:

At number eleven is the West Indies’ pace spearhead, Kemar Roach. Having made his debut in 2009, Kemar Roach has headlined their bowling attack for over a decade and is one of the most underrated bowlers of the generation. The 31-year old has 193 wickets so far from 56 Tests.

The Barbadian also took 18 wickets in their last series between them as West Indies retained the Wisden Trophy including a five-wicket haul. In two warm-up games, Roach took three wickets and has a massive role to play if West Indies are to stand a chance at competing in England.

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