17.4 overs – that’s about as much international cricket the first day’s game witnessed two sessions, after cricket returned from a 117-day halt. After a lot of stop-start first session, the second session somehow came into action but got washed out due to rains.
Even though international cricket was resumed with the bio-bubble environment and zero attendees, the good old English weather is something that has still remained unchanged.
England won the toss and chose to bat first. Dom Sibley, coming into action after all that jazz around his weight loss, lasted only four balls at the crease. Gabriel got the ball to nip back in after setting Sibley up with outswingers – a plot that nearly got Rory Burns in the same over too. West Indies used one of their three reviews at disposal, and ended up retaining it when the ball was found to be clipping Burns’ off-stump.
Joe Denly, batting at number three, then bought some stability in the game as the Englishmen had togo on and off due to the sharp showers. It was bad light that put off the second session. Taking one wicket in the initial overs showed that West Indies are not here to give it easy. Not their bowlers, at least.
England’s 81st Test captain Ben Stokes opted to bat after winning the toss, leaving out Stuart Broad in favour of a pace attack featuring both Jofra Archer and Mark Wood — the two featuring together in a Test match for the first time ever. West Indies left out Rahkeem Cornwall for a four-pronged pace attack featuring Alzarri Joseph.
Before starting the match, both squads also took the knees in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter Movement, which gave out a strong message against racism in cricket. There was also silence observed in memory of Sir Everton Weekes, who passed away recently aged 95.
England versus West Indies marks the resumption of international cricket after almost four months due to the Covid-19 pandemic outburst. All necessary measures have been taken by both teams and cricket boards to prevent the spread of the virus.
Brief Scores: England 35/1 in 17.1 overs (Rory Burns 20*, Joe Denly 14*; Shannon Gabriel 1-19) vs West Indies.
We hope to see some action on the field tomorrow. Read more such massively-hit content on Mad Over Cricket.
