Burns won’t underestimate Windies

LONDON, England (CMC):

England opener Rory Burns expects what he describes as a “stiff test” from the Windies in next month’s three-Test series here.

While the Windies have not won a Test series here in 32 years, they are holders of the coveted Wisden Trophy after stunning England 2-1 in the Caribbean last year.

“The last time we played them they won, they’re certainly no slouches,” said Burns, who struggled in that three-Test series with 145 runs from six innings.

“Their bowling attack caused us a lot of problems – they’re very skilful and have got some pace.

“There’s a lot of good cricketers there and think it’s going to be a stiff test no matter what.”

Windies entered the series last year largely as underdogs but convincingly beat the top-ranked England by 381 runs in four days in the opening Test in Bridgetown, Barbados, before winning the second in St John’s, Antigua, by 10 wickets, to reclaim the Wisden for the first time in a decade.

Windies’ defence of the trophy will come amid testing circumstances, as they oppose England in cricket’s first-ever ‘bio-secure’ series, with the United Kingdom battling the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

CLOSED DOOR MATCHES

The Caribbean side will arrive here by private charter on Wednesday, undergo a two-week quarantine at Old Trafford in Manchester while training, before heading to the Ageas Bowls in Southampton ahead of the first Test starting July 8.

All matches will be played behind closed doors and players will not be allowed to have contact with the public during the seven-week duration of the tour.

Strict isolation, social-distancing and sanitisation protocols will be enforced.

England and Wales Cricket Board’s projects director, Steve Elworthy, said the facilities being utilised were more than adequate to accommodate the training requirements of both teams.

“England are looking to move into the Ageas in and around the back end of June in preparation towards the Test match,” he explained.

“When the West Indies come out of isolation at Old Trafford they will be brought inside the Ageas for some time too.

“It’s an incredible facility, with a full-size training ground next to the main ground. We wanted them to be able to train, practise and prepare for the Test, so having two full grounds available was key.”

The Windies have increased their touring party to include a 14-man squad and 11 reserves, a move aimed at ensuring injury replacements are readily available and to allow for warm-up matches among themselves.