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The much-anticipated return of worldwide cricket after virtually 4 months was, virtually predictably, delayed by rain on Wednesday as the beginning of England’s first Test towards the West Indies in Southampton was pushed again.
The toss was resulting from happen at 1030GMT forward of an 1100GMT begin however has been delayed after mild rain and overcast skies meant the covers needed to be deployed.
The groups are assembly in a “bio-secure environment” at Southampton’s Ageas bowl with each day well being checks for everybody within the floor – which doesn’t embody followers – within the first of a 3-Test collection.
England vs West Indies 1st Test: Live Score and Updates
Former West Indies T20 captain Carlos Brathwaite advised the BBC: “It’s a duty for us as sportspeople to bring some normality back to the world. Hopefully we can get under way and bring some good back to the game and to the world.”
It is 117 days since England’s warm-up match in Sri Lanka was deserted as a result of COVID-19 menace and no cricket has been performed since.
England are captained within the first Test by Ben Stokes, standing in for Joe Root, whose spouse is about to offer beginning.
West Indies, who like England have a robust bowling assault however a considerably fragile batting lineup, are led by Jason Holder – the world’s primary ranked Test all-rounder.
Both groups are anticipated to “take a knee” earlier than the beginning of the match, and a minute’s silence might be noticed to mark the victims of the virus and likewise former West Indies batsman Everton Weekes, who died final week.
England’s gamers will even have the names of key staff on their coaching shirts.
Stokes, whose package bears the title of Dr Vikas Kumar, a specialist in anaesthetics and important care, mentioned: “We’re only able to play this match because of the amazing job that key workers up and down the country have done to help us through this pandemic.
“Wearing their names is a real honour for us, and is a small sign of our appreciation for the incredible work they have done.”
The collection will characteristic many variations from an everyday take a look at as a result of virus restrictions. There are house umpires – the primary time in England since 2002, and due to that every crew can have three referrals as an alternative of the standard two per innings.
The match referee is Chris Broad – father of England bowler Stuart.
Players aren’t allowed to make use of saliva to shine the ball and umpires is not going to take jumpers and caps from bowlers.
The match is the primary of six Tests virtually back-to-back for England, who go straight right into a three-match collection towards Pakistan on the similar closed venues in Manchester and Southampton in August.
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