England's team huddle maintains social distancing as rain delays first Test against West Indies

International cricket is all set to take the centre stage post the 117-day hiatus enforced due to COVID-19 pandemic. England and West Indies are on the verge of initiating post-coronavirus cricket scenario by locking horns in the first Test at Southampton from Wednesday.

Along with marking the return of the game, the bilateral series will also follow significant changes. To curb the risk of COVID-19 transmission, England and West Indies will follow the interim post-coronavirus world rules laid by the ICC.

Along with maintaining social distancing, the players will also live in a ‘biosecure bubble’ which will also include daily health checks. Ahead of the much-awaited Test, the scenes at Ageas Bowl in Southampton clearly depicted the changes which the sport has undergone amid the pandemic.

Ben Stokes to lead England in absence of Joe Root

From the press box to England’s team huddles, everywhere social distancing was the common norm ahead of the toss. The toss and the play, however, was delayed due to rain. As the match progresses, the world will witness a few significant changes in the game including the ban on usage of salvia, no neutral umpires, more DRS per innings, and no handshakes of high-fives.

Both teams are expected to “take a knee” before the start of the match, and a minute’s silence will be observed to mark the victims of the virus and also former West Indies batsman Everton Weekes, who died last week. Furthermore, England players’ training jersey also have the names of key workers on them. Players of both sides will also show solidarity towards ‘BlackLivesMatter’ movement before the start of the match.

It will also be a special day for Ben Stokes as the England all-rounder will don the skipper’s role for the first time. Joe Root will be missing the encounter to be with his wife, as they is expecting their second child.

Meanwhile, the Jason Holder-led side won the last series between the sides in 2018-19 on home soil, but have not won a series in England since 1988. The historic Test series, played in a unique environment, can certainly lay the blueprint for future matches and tours in the post-COVID-19 world. Strict quarantine measures have been incorporated ever since the West Indies squad arrived in England.