WI vs ENG: Weather Forecast And Pitch Report Of Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua - West Indies vs England 2022, 1st Test

England and West Indies are set to lock horns with each other in the first Test of the three-match series from 8^TH March to 12^th March 2022 at Vivan Richards Stadium. England’s recent form in Test cricket doesn’t inspire a lot of confidence.

However, they will be looking to start afresh with an aim to turn their fortunes around in the longest format of the game. Joe Root will continue to lead the side, while Ben Stokes will be his deputy. Ahead of the first Test match, England have announced a 12-man squad.

For those of you who don’t know, both James Anderson and Stuart Broad have been dropped from the Test series. The bowling unit for the first Test comprises the likes of Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Craig Overton, and Saqib Mahmood. The latter replaced Ollie Robinson for the first Test as he has been ruled out due to injury.

England have dropped both Haseeb Hameed and Rory Burns for the Test series against West Indies. Two new openers will be coming out to bat in the first Test, namely Alex Lees and Zak Crawley. Joe Root and Dan Lawrence will be coming at three and four, followed by Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow.

West Indies, too have made a lot of changes in the Test squad. The likes of Shai Hope, Roston Chase, and spinners Jomel Warrican and Rahkeem Cornwall have been left out.

Kraigg Brathwaite will lead the team. He will be an important part of the batting unit. The likes of Anderson Phillip, John Campbell, and Shamarh Brooks have all been added to the squad.

Skipper Brathwaite and Jermaine Blackwood should open the innings, while Joshua Da Silva will don the wicket-keeping gloves. The middle-order will have the likes of Nkrumah Bonner, Shamarh Brooks, and Kyle Mayers. Besides, the likes of Kemar Roach, Jason Holder, Kyle Mayers, Jayden Seales, Alzarri Joseph, and Veersammy Permaul are all present in the 13-man squad.

WI vs ENG Weather Forecast And Pitch Report Of Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, Antigua – West Indies vs England 2022, 1st Test

Pitch Report 

Batsmen find it a bit easier to bat on as compared to other batting surfaces in West Indies. Having said that, the fast bowler will get help from the surface. Both teams would be looking to take a lot of advantage from the new ball. Also, the teams batting second have won more matches here. So. you can expect both teams to bowl first upon winning the toss.