Preview: England vs. West Indies, 1st Test

James Michael Anderson’s final goodbye The main goals of Test are to honour the legendary player, cricket, and the long-standing rivalry between England and the West Indies. After the most recent India series, Anderson was ordered to hang up his boots because the team management wanted to focus on developing new pacers in preparation for the Ashes in 2025. Anderson had not even considered retirement.

Since making his England debut in 2002, Anderson has taken 700 wickets in 187 Test matches while playing for the national team. In his farewell match, Anderson will tie the record held by the great Shane Warne and take the second-most wickets in Test cricket history if he can pick nine more wickets.

Anderson might be interested in doing that during the West Indies match at Lord’s. Alongside him will be seasoned Chris Woakes, Ben Stokes (who is now fit to bowl), and Gus Atkinson. Shoaib Bashir is one of the spinners that has been included in the playing XI, and Root will probably help him out when needed.

The batt seems to be in order. Ben Duckett and Zak Crawley can be quite dangerous when playing at home since they don’t back down when it comes to Bazball. Fascinatingly, the team management took a risk by benching Ben Foakes and Jonny Bairstow in favour of Jamie Smith, who received his first cap.

The 23-year-old is considered a future star, and England is willing to make an early investment in him and provide him the best preparation possible for England’s difficult away series.

Conversely, earlier in the year, West Indies shocked everyone by defeating Australia at Gabba. The team captained by Kraigg Brathwaite ought to take heart from that and try to apply pressure on England to finish the job. Focus will be on Joshua De Silva and the captain, Alick Athanaze, among hitters.

With their experience, they will be crucial to how the West Indies fare in the series. Their confidence should rise with the return of all-rounder Jason Holder to the playing XI. Bowlers Shamar Joseph, Gudekesh Motie, and Alzarri Joseph will be crucial.

Match Details:

Head-To-Head Records

ENG vs WI Probable Playing XIs

England:

48 hours before the first Test at Lord’s, England has already revealed their playing eleven. Since playing Bazball is England’s main tactic, there were no shocks. If they succeed, it’s possible that the game will conclude before Day 4.

Predicted XI

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, James Anderson

West Indies:

Mikyle Louis will probably be backed by the West Indies as the opener. Kirk and Alick will be important characters in the series, and they will follow suit. Conversely, the bowling unit won’t be caught off guard.

Predicted XI