WI vs ENG: England's Predicted Playing XI Against West Indies, West Indies vs England, 1st Test

After suffering a humiliating 4-0 Ashes series defeat at the hands of Australia, England would be keen to improve their reputation in Test Cricket. They have made some changes in the Test squad for the upcoming series against West Indies. The likes of Rory Burns, Haseeb Hameed, David Malan, Stuart Broad and James Anderson have all been dropped from the Test.

England are set to play the first Test of the three-match series against West Indies from 8^th to 12^th February 2022 at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium. Here’s a look at England’s predicted playing XI for the first Test.

WI vs ENG: England’s Predicted Playing XI Against West Indies, West Indies vs England, 1st Test

Openers: Zack Crawley and Alex Lees

Zak Crawley got the opportunity to play the last Test of the Ashes series. He scored 18 and 36 in the two innings. Crawley will open the innings with Alex Lees for the first Test against West Indies. The latter hasn’t played an international Test for England. He will be making his Test debut. He has over 7000 first-class runs at an average of 34.9.

Middle-Order: Joe Root, Dan Lawrence, Jonny Bairstow, and Ben Foakes

David Malan has been dropped from the Test squad and Joe Root, thus, will be playing at number three in the batting order. Dan Lawrence is given the opportunity to secure a spot in England’s middle-order after being listed at No. 4 for their four-day warm-up match against a CWI President’s XI in Antigua.

Jonny Bairstow fared quite well in the Ashes series. In 2 Tests, he managed to score 194 runs at 48.50. He remains an important part of England’s batting unit. Besides, Jos Buttler has been dropped and, thus, Ben Foakes will don the wicket-keeping gloves in the first Test.

All-rounders: Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes

Both are important members of England’s Test side. Stokes made a decent return to international cricket. In 5 matches, he scored 236 runs at 23.60 in the Ashes. He will be looking to have a great series both with bat and ball. Chris Woakes is a force to be reckoned with in home conditions. However, the same cannot be said when he plays in other nations. The pitches in West Indies, however, is likely to suit him.

Bowlers: Craig Overton, Mark Wood, Jack Leach

Mark Wood has recovered fully and is all set to play the first Test. He will be an important part of the fast bowling unit. Craig Overton is also likely to give him company for the first Test. For the unversed, Ollie Robinson has been ruled out of the first Test due to injury. Besides, Jack Leach will complete the playing XI.