With bio-secure venues becoming an integral part of cricket’s return, teams have had to play intra-squad warm-up matches within their own extended squads. The English players’ preparation for the first Test against West Indies involves a 3-day warm-up game between two sides that are led by Rajasthan Royals’ Ben Stokes & Jos Buttler.
Stokes has been named England’s captain for the first Test in Root’s absence, while Buttler has been named vice-captain. It was no surprise to see them leading the two internal teams. 27 players will feature in the warm-up game, with 14 on Buttler’s team & 13 on Stokes’.
Some notable names who have represented England for a while are Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, James Anderson and his partner in he Headingley heist, Jack Leach.
Buttlwr will lead the likes of Joe Denly, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad & fellow Rajasthan Royals player, Jofra Archer.
Stokes won the toss on Day 1 and elected to field at the Rose Bowl in Southampton. While many of the slots for England’s 11 have been sealed by the likely players, a few of them are up for grabs and the contest can be more competitive than a usual warm-up clash.
