England will face West Indies in a three-match Test series starting Wednesday. The series will be a part of the World Test Championship 2023-2025 cycle. The England team led by Ben Stokes is at the 9th position on the WTC points table with just three wins in 10 matches. West Indies, on the other hand, occupy the sixth place.
The focus will be on legendary pacer James Anderson as he will be playing his last Test for England. Regarded as one of the greatest bowlers of all time, the 41-year-old is England's leading wicket-taker and is one of only three bowlers to take over 700 Test scalps.
Anderson announced his retirement in May after England red-ball coach Brendon McCullum conveyed to the seamer that they are looking at the future, with an eye on the Ashes 2025-26 in Australia.
Anderson made his Test debut back in 2003 and has since claimed a remarkable 700 wickets in a record 187 Test matches. His 700th wicket against India in Dharamsala in March.
On Tuesday, England announced their playing XI for the first Test against the West Indies. Gus Atkinson and Jamie Smith will make their Test debuts while spinner Shoaib Bashir will play his first Test match in England after debuting in India earlier this year. For West Indies, opener Mikyle Louis is set to make his international debut.
In 163 Test matches they have played against each other, West Indies have emerged victorious 59 times, while England have won 51 matches. 53 matches have resulted in a draw.
England vs West Indies 1st Test: Date, Time And Venue
The first Test between England and West Indies will be played from Wednesday, July 10 onwards at the Lord's. The match starts at 3:30 PM IST.
England vs West Indies 1st Test Live Telecast Details
The 1st Test match between England and West Indies will be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network in India.
England vs West Indies 1st Test Live Streaming Details
The first ENG vs WI Test will be live-streamed on the Fancode app and website in India.
England Playing 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 Playing XI
Kraigg Brathwaite (C), Alick Athanaze, Joshua Da Silva (Wk), Kavem Hodge, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Mikyle Louis, Kirk McKenzie, Gudakesh Motie, Jayden Seales.
(With PTI inputs)