England vs West Indies
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West Indies are set to host England for a three-match Test series. The first Test is scheduled to be played from 8th March to 12th March 2022. Visitors England aren’t in the best of form. They are coming into the series on the back of a 4-0 Ashes series defeat in Australia. England, however, have backed Root to continue leading the side, while Ben Stokes will be his deputy.

WI vs ENG Match Preview- England Tour of West Indies 2022, 1st Test

England:

England cricket team.
England cricket team. Credits: cricket.com.au

Ahead of the first Test series, England have named a 12-member squad. Zak Crawley will open the innings alongside Alex Lees. David Malan has been dropped from the squad, which means Joe Root will occupy the number three spot. At four, England have shown faith in Dan Lawrence. It will be interesting to see how he fares in the series.

The presence of Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow at number five and six respectively ensures England of depth in their batting. Add to that, you have got Chris Woakes at number seven.

For those of you who don’t know, both Anderson and Stuart Broad have been dropped from the Test squad. England bowling unit for the first Test comprises the likes of Mark Wood, Craig Overton, and Saqib Mahmood. Jack Leach is the lone spinner but whether he plays in the first Test remains to be seen.

West Indies:

Kraigg Brathwaite
Kraigg Brathwaite. Image-Sky Sports

West Indies, on the other hand, would be keen to start the series with a win. They have dropped the likes Shai Hope, Roston Chase and Rahkeem Cornwall. Seamer Shannon Gabriel isn’t available for the series. Kraig Brathwaite will continue to lead the side. He should open the innings along with Jermaine Blackwood.

The likes of Nkrumah Bonner, Shamarh Brooks, and Kyle Myers will form the middle-order. All three will be key to the team’s fortune as far as the first Test is concerned. The bowling unit will have the likes of Kemar Roach, Alzarri Joseph, Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, Veerasammy Permaul.

It will be interesting to see who all makes it into the playing XI. Besides, Joshua Da Silva will keep wickets.