England vs West Indies Test series: Key players to watch & schedule

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Last Updated on 5 years by Charbel Coorey

England vs West Indies Test series: Key players to watch & schedule | England vs West Indies Test series preview | ENG vs WI Test series

International cricket. Glorious international cricket. Its return, set for July 8, is nearly upon us.

England and West Indies will do battle in the first taste of international cricket in more than three months due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. On paper, England look to have all bases covered, but one must remember the significant test West Indies provided back in 2017, where they leveled the series in terrific fashion before believing for a little while that they could take out the series in the third Test.

So, what challenge can West Indies provide this time? Can they do to England what they did to them in the West Indies last year? How will England respond to their beloved supporters not being present with them at the ground?

West Indies coach Phil Simmons believes this could give the visitors an edge, as they aim to defend their trophy. In this article, we will highlight six key players – three from either side – who have a big role to play in deciding which way this series will go.

Also read: Dream11 Prediction for first England vs West Indies Test

England vs West Indies Test series: key players to watch

1. Shai Hope

Shai Hope was West Indies’ star in 2017. His 375 runs at 75.00, headlined by a superb century to seal a stunning chase of 322 at Headingley, makes him a crucial player if West Indies are to compete this time around.

Since then, Hope has been particularly prolific in limited overs cricket, displaying excellent consistency at the top of the order. However, his Test form has dipped, averaging just 20.23 and 19.75 in 2018 and 2019 respectively, which should motivate him to perform well in this series.

2. Joe Root

Joe Root, considered part of the “big four” in Test cricket, has had a decent-yet-frustrating last couple of years. Root often starts his innings confidently, strolling into the 20s and 30s seemingly in an instant. However, when he crosses 50, a dismissal always looks to be around the corner.

And the numbers tell the story. Root’s 50-100 conversion rate of 26.15% is too low for a player of his class. Since the beginning of 2017, he has struck 27 50+ scores, with just six converted into century. So, will this be the series where he converts at the rate worthy of his ability? If he does, England will go a long way to winning the series.

England vs West Indies Test series: Key players to watch & schedule | England vs West Indies Test series preview | ENG vs WI Test series
England vs West Indies Test series: Joe Root is a key player to watch.

3. Jason Holder

Jason Holder’s batting average of 17 and bowling average of 39 wasn’t much home to write about the last time he toured England for a Test series. However, since the 2017 tour, Holder has transformed himself into one of the finest all-rounders in world cricket right now.

In fact, since the 2017 tour of England, he has taken 57 Test wickets at an average of 17.58. In addition, he plundered a superb double century against England in the West Indies last year, which puts England on high alert regarding the threat that Holder possesses with both bat and ball.

England vs West Indies Test series: Key players to watch & schedule | England vs West Indies Test series preview | ENG vs WI Test series
England vs West Indies: Jason Holder will be vital for West Indies

4. Ben Stokes

Ben Stokes. Need we say more?

Cricket’s hiatus due to COVID-19 was the only thing that could stop Stokes, because cricketers couldn’t. The world’s premier Test all-rounder had the most memorable of years in 2019, single-handedly keeping the Ashes alive, along with the small matter of leading England to a World Cup win. His superb form in Test cricket continued into 2020, helping England get back into the series in South Africa with a superb all-round performance.

One to watch. As always.

Also read: The 2019 summer. The summer of Ben Stokes

England vs West Indies Test series: Key players to watch & schedule | England vs West Indies Test series preview | ENG vs WI Test series
England vs West Indies: Can Ben Stokes pick up where he left off?

5. Kemar Roach

Kemar Roach, one of the world’s underrated Test bowlers, has a crucial role to play in this series.

England’s batting has been prone to collapses over the last five years, with their 77-all out in 2019, led by the destructive Roach, an example. More, he has taken 71 wickets at an average of 21.28 since August 2017, which is better than the likes of James Anderson and Trent Boult over the same period. If he can get the ball in the right areas at good pace, there will be enough assistance to trouble the England batsmen.

England vs West Indies: What impact can Kemar Roach have on the series?

6. James Anderson

Usually, it doesn’t need to be stated that James Anderson is a key man in a Test series. It is always assumed that he is.

However, Anderson, who will soon turn 38, is set to return after a long-standing calf problem. Whether he can hit his straps straight away will be interesting to see, as he nears the magical 600-wicket mark; a mark where no other fast bowler has ventured into in Test history.

The last time West Indies toured England, Anderson was irresistible. His 19 wickets at an average of 14.10 saw him win England’s man of the series award, and if he can produce similar this time around, England will be on their way to victory.

England vs West Indies: Eyes will be on James Anderson

England vs West Indies Test series schedule

  • 1st Test: July 8-12, Southamption
  • 2nd Test: July 16-20, Manchester
  • 3rd Test: July 24-28, Manchester