The summer of cricket heats up as the West Indies embark on their first Test tour of England since the dramatic 2020 series. This three-match encounter promises to be a thrilling clash between two historic cricketing nations. The most recent England vs West Indies Test series took place in the Caribbean in 2022. In a tightly contested series, the West Indies emerged victorious 1-0, showcasing their resilience on home soil. This upcoming series provides England with an opportunity for redemption, while the West Indies will be looking to build on their recent success.
England currently holds the prestigious second position in the ICC Men’s Test team rankings, showcasing their consistent strength in the format. West Indies, on the other hand, sits at number eight, but their recent performances suggest they shouldn’t be underestimated.
Schedule and Venues
The three-match England vs West Indies Test series commences on July 10th, 2024, at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground in London. This historic venue will witness the first and final Test match for England’s legendary fast bowler, James Anderson. The series then moves to Trent Bridge in Nottingham for the second Test, starting on July 18th. The final showdown will take place at Edgbaston Cricket Ground in Birmingham, commencing on July 26th.
Where to Catch the Action
For fans in the Caribbean eager to witness the West Indies challenge England, Flow Sports will be broadcasting the matches live.
For viewers in the UK, Sky Sports will be showcasing the England vs West Indies Test series on television. Sky Go app provides live streaming services for those who have already subscribed to Sky Sports. Additionally, the series can be streamed on NOW, a platform accessible without a contract. Cricket fans can also catch the action on TNT Sports, which carries the NOW streaming service.
Squads
England Squad:
- Ben Stokes (Captain, Durham)
- James Anderson (Lancashire) (First Test only)
- Gus Atkinson (Surrey)
- Shoaib Bashir (Somerset)
- Harry Brook (Yorkshire)
- Zak Crawley (Kent)
- Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire)
- Dan Lawrence (Surrey)
- Dillon Pennington (Nottinghamshire)
- Ollie Pope (Surrey)
- Matthew Potts (Durham)
- Joe Root (Yorkshire)
- Jamie Smith (Surrey)
- Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)
West Indies Squad:
- Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain)
- Mikyle Louis
- Kirk McKenzie
- Alick Athanaze
- Kavem Hodge
- Joshua Da Silva (wk)
- Jason Holder
- Kevin Sinclair
- Alzarri Joseph
- Gudakesh Motie
- Shamar Joseph
- Tevin Imlach
- Jeremiah Louis
- Jayden Seales
- Zachary McCaskie
A Historical Rivalry
England and West Indies boast a rich cricketing history, having faced each other in a staggering 163 Test matches. This long-standing rivalry has seen both teams emerge victorious on numerous occasions. England has secured 51 wins, while the West Indies hold the upper hand with 59 victories. The remaining 53 matches have ended in draws, showcasing the competitive nature of their encounters.
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England’s Record under BazBall
Since the appointment of Brendon McCullum as England’s Test coach, the team has displayed a remarkable resurgence. Under his leadership, England has played 19* Test matches, winning 13, losing only 4, and drawing 1. This impressive win-loss ratio of 3.25 translates to a win percentage of a staggering 72.22%. This aggressive and positive approach bodes well for England in this upcoming series.
West Indies Seeking Further Glory
Following a successful Test tour of Australia, the West Indies team appears to be in its best form in recent years. They are likely to carry this momentum into the England series, determined to cause an upset.
James Anderson’s Farewell: An End of an Era
The first Test of the series holds a special significance. It will mark the final Test match for England’s legendary fast bowler, James Anderson. Anderson’s retirement leaves a void not only for English cricket but for the entire cricketing world. With a phenomenal tally of 700 wickets from 187 matches, Anderson currently sits at number three on the list of highest wicket-takers in Test history. This final match presents him with an opportunity to etch his name further in the record books by surpassing the legendary spinner Shane Warne’s tally of 708 wickets. The cricketing world will be watching with bated breath to see if Anderson can achieve this remarkable feat in his farewell performance.