England are not beaten very easily at home and are overwhelming favourites against West Indies: Brian Lara

All eyes are on the resumption of cricket as England and West Indies are set to brace the field in the three-match Test series starting from July 8. In a one-of-a-kind series, the two sides will kick-off the cricketing action amid COVID-19 pandemic.

To curb the risk of coronavirus transmission, matches will be played without spectators and players will remain in a biosecure bubble during the course of the series. The tour-opening Test of the much-anticipated series will start on July 8 at Ageas Bowl in Southampton, which will be the first international encounter since months. The coronavirus debacle had halted the sporting scenario across the world, putting the possibility of international cricket in jeopardy.

Ahead of the historic Test series, West Indies legend Brian Lara has said that England will start as overwhelming favourites against the visitors. Lara even said that the West Indies side will have to toil hard to stamp their authority over England.

Everybody is hoping to see a competitive series: Brian Lara

“West Indies have to be able to pounce immediately. England are not beaten very easily at home and are overwhelming favourites,” said Brain Lara, who scored a record 11,953 runs for West Indies in 131 Tests before bidding adieu to the sport.

“They have to hit the road running and stamp their authority on England,” Lara told the BBC highlights programme, where he was a part of it. I don’t think they can last five days, so they have to take these games in four days. They have to establish a lead and keep it,” added the left-hander.

Lara also notched up the excitement of the series by saying that everybody around the world is waiting to watch the resumption of cricket. According to Lara, it will be an uphill task for the Caribbean side to defeat England on their home soil. West Indies, the holders of the Wisden Trophy, haven’t won a series in England since 1988.

“It’s going to be a series that’s watched all around the world and everybody is hoping to see a competitive series,” said Lara.

“It would mean a lot to all West Indians if they could win. If they play good cricket on the first day of the Test series, show they have the mettle to perform against England, that’s the key,” he concluded.