The Corona Virus pandemic had caused massive life threats and had affected cricket as well. However, cricket is finally returning with West Indies tour of England.
West Indies are touring England for 3 tests with the first test starting on July 8 in Southhampton.
Joe Root, the England Captain remains out of the squad as he has to attend the birth of his second child. In his absence, Ben Stokes will be the stand-in captain, becoming the 81st Test Captain for England.
Rory Burns has returned to the side and is set to open with Dom Sibley.
Dominic Bess seems likely to be picked as a sole spinner. In the pace department, Archer will likely be picked alongside two experienced fast bowlers James Anderson and Stuart Broad.
Ollie Pope has impressed at number 6 position and will be an automatic selection. Buttler who remains the Vice-captain for Ben Stokes will be wicketkeeping in absence of Jonny Bairstow.
England Squad for 1st Test:
Ben Stokes (capt), James Anderson, Jofra Archer, Dominic Bess, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Joe Denly, Ollie Pope, Dom Sibley, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood
Probable 11 and Lineup for the 1st Test:
- Rory Burns
- Dom Sibley
- Joe Denly
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Stokes(c)
- Ollie Pope
- Jos Buttler(wk)
- Dominic Bess
- Jofra Archer
- Stuart Broad
- James Anderson
