The West Indies tour of England will kick off on Wednesday, July 10, featuring a much-anticipated 3-match Test series. The first match will take place at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground. In their recent series against Australia, West Indies secured a memorable victory in the second Test, resulting in a tied series.
Jason Holder comeback
Jason Holder has been credited with a remarkable return to the West Indies Test squad. Reflecting on their thrilling victory over Australia in January 2024, which levelled the series, Holder expressed his joy and appreciation for his teammates’ efforts. He stated, “I was incredibly pleased with the team’s performance in Australia. Their achievement reignited my passion to rejoin the squad and contribute to something truly special once again.”
James Anderson: A legendary career culminates at Lord’s
In the first England vs. West Indies Test match of 2024 at Lord’s, James Anderson will play his 188th and final Test match. Anderson, renowned for his skilful bowling, has achieved the remarkable feat of taking 700 wickets in Test cricket, placing him third on the all-time list of highest wicket-takers. His career has been characterised by consistency, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, making him a revered figure in the world of cricket.
Also READ: “The big thing for me this week is…” – James Anderson on his last Test for England
West Indies top-choice playing XI for the first Test against England:
1. Kraigg Brathwaite (c)
Brathwaite is the captain and opening batter for the West Indies, having clubbed over 5,000 runs in Test cricket.
2. Zachary McCaskie
McCaskie, a right-handed batter, will make his debut in international cricket in this series against England. McCaskie has scored 994 runs in First Class Cricket.
3. Kirk McKenzie
McKenzie made his Test debut against India in July 2024. He has played 3 Test matches for the West Indies and scored 170 runs.
The three-match Test series against England in this July will mark the international debut of Imlach, who has scored over 1000 runs in first-class cricket.
5. Kavem Hodge
Hodge represented the West Indies in the 2012 Under-19 World Cup. He made his international debut back in January 2024 against Australia.
6. Alick Athanaze
Athanaze made his international debut in June 2023 against the United Arab Emirates. He has played 4 Test matches for the West Indies and scored 168 runs.
Holder is regarded as one of the best all-rounders West Indies has ever produced, having scored over 2000 runs and taken more than 150 wickets in Test cricket.
8. Kevin Sinclair
Sinclair, a Guyanese cricketer, made his debut for the West Indies in March 2021. he has featured one Test match for the West Indies and scored a half-century against the Australia.
9. Gudakesh Motie
Motie is a left-arm orthodox bowler who made his international debut for the West Indies cricket team in December 2021, He has played 5 matches for the West Indies and took 22 wickets.
10. Alzarri Joseph
Joseph is one the most experienced bowler in West Indies squad, he has taken 92 wickets in the 32 matches he played in his Test Career.
11. Shamar Joseph
Joseph is a right-arm fast bowler who made his international debut for the West Indies in January 2024 against Australia. He has featured 2 Test matches for the West Indies and took 13 wickets.
Also READ: ENG vs WI: England’s best playing XI for the Lord’s Test against West Indies
