England vs West Indies Match Preview, 1st Test

James Micheal Anderson’s farewell Test is all about celebrating the great man, cricket and the historic rivalry between England and West Indies. Anderson, who was not even thinking about retirement after the last India series was asked to hang up his boots as the team management decided to groom other pacers, keeping Ashes 2025 in mind.

Anderson made his England debut in 2002 and since then, has represented the national team in 187 Test matches, picking 700 wickets. If the pacer manages to pick nine more in his final game, Anderson would break the record of legendary Shane Warne and become the second-leading wicket-taker in Test cricket history. 

In the match against West Indies at Lord’s, Anderson might just fancy doing that. He will partner with another veteran Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson and Ben Stokes, who is now fit to bowl. Among spinners, Shoaib Bashir has been named in the playing XI and Root is likely to assist him whenever required.

The batting looks sorted. Playing at home, Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett can prove to be extremely dangerous, as they won’t compromise on Bazball. Interestingly, the team management made a bold decision to drop Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes and give Jamie Smith his debut cap. 

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The 23-year-old is deemed a future star and England are ready to invest in him early and prepare him well for away series, in which England have struggled.

West Indies, on the other hand, defied all the odds and defeated Australia at Gabba earlier in the year. The Kraigg Brathwaite-led side should take confidence from that and aim to put pressure on England to get the job done. Among batters, there will be a focus on the skipper, Alick Athanaze and Joshua De Silva.

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They will play a major role in West Indies’ performance in the series, given the experience they carry. All-rounder Jason Holder is set to make his return to the playing XI, which should boost their confidence. Among bowlers, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph and Gudekesh Motie will be vital.

Match Details:

ENG vs WI Probable Playing XIs

England:

England have already announced their playing XI - 48 hours before the first Test at Lord’s. There were no surprises as England’s only strategy is to play Bazball. In case they manage to do so, the match can very well end 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:

West Indies are likely to back Mikyle Louis as an opener. Kirk and Alick are to follow suit and they will play a key part in the series. The bowling unit, on the other hand, will have no surprises.

Predicted XI

Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Mikyle Louis, Kirk McKenzie, Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, Zachary McCaskie, Joshua Da Silva (wk) Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Gudakesh Motie, Shamar Joseph.