Rain delays international cricket’s return in England-West Indies Test

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“Rain delayed the start of the first Test between England and the West Indies. ©AFP” /> Southampton (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Rain meant there was no play before lunch on Wednesday’s opening day of the first Test between England and the West Indies at Southampton, the first international cricket match since March. The eagerly anticipated fixture marks the sport’s global return from months of coronavirus-enforced lockdown. The last Test match, between New Zealand and India, concluded on March 2, six days before the final of the Women’s T20 World Cup in…

West Indies batsmen must start strongly, says Simmons

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“West Indies coach Phil Simmons. ©AFP” /> London (AFP) – West Indies coach Phil Simmons said his batsmen must hit the ground running in England to give of a first-class game, in the run-up to the first Test, which starts in Southampton on July 8. The West Indies attack features Kemar Roach, Shannon Gabriel and captain Jason Holder, with Alzarri Joseph — tipped by Simmons to be a “big hit” also in the squad. But their batsmen have struggled to build big totals in recent years. The West Indies beat England…

West Indies paceman Gabriel won’t let up against England after Root row

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“No easing up – West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel . ©AFP” /> London (AFP) – West Indies fast bowler Shannon Gabriel has no plans to alter his on-field approach against England, saying a previous flare-up with Joe Root was “blown way out of proportion”. Gabriel received a four-match ban after asking England captain Root “do you like boys?” during the third Test in St Lucia last year, with Root replying: “There’s nothing wrong with being gay.” Homosexual activity remains illegal in Gabriel’s native Trinidad. Only Root’s rebuke was picked…

West Indies quicks excite Estwick ahead of England Tests

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“West Indies assistant coach Roddy Estwick. ©AFP” /> London (AFP) – The West Indies are showing signs that they are developing a pace attack that could stand comparison with the great Caribbean sides of the past, assistant coach Roddy Estwick said on Monday. The West Indies were world cricket’s dominant team from the mid-1970s to the 1990s when they could call on a succession of superb fast bowlers including Michael Holding, Malcolm Marshall, Curtly Ambrose and Courtney Walsh. Their quicks also played a key role when the West Indies beat…

Gower salutes Windies ‘spirit of co-operation’

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“Thank you West Indies – Former England captain David Gower (L, with Ian Botham). ©AFP” /> London (AFP) – David Gower has urged the rest of world cricket to follow the West Indies in demonstrating a “spirit of co-operation” as the global game looks to get back on its feet amid the coronavirus. The West Indies are due to arrive in England next week, ahead of a three-match Test series rescheduled for July even though the pandemic has claimed at least 48,000 lives in Britain, according to official figures. International…