The historic 3-Test series between England and West Indies, starting Wednesday, July 8 in Southampton will see the England board using simulated crowd noise and music to enhance the atmosphere.
The Test series will be devoid of any spectators on the ground due to COVID-19 regulations, the organizers want to make sure of options to keep the morale of the players up in the empty stadiums. This will also enhance the viewing experience of fans at home, giving them an in-stadia feel.
England and West Indies will play a 3-Test series in Southampton and Manchester between July 8 and 28 marking the return of the international game following the enforced break due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
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England and West Indies players have agreed in principle to allow fake noise and music to be played during the Test series, according to The Times.
Fake noise, altered accordingly to the match situation, has already been used in football, which restarted in empty stadiums. Premier League and La Liga have been using video game giant EA Sports' sound library for the fake crowd noise during the live matches.
However, cricket will use a consistent and continued audio stream from matches from the past, according to Daily Mail. Stump mic audio will also be controlled by the broadcasters in the absence of ambient noise at the stadium.
West Indies fast bowler Kemar Roach has said some noise will be better than no noise at stadiums during the Test series. "Some noise around would be great. It will be strange for us playing in England where there is always a lot of crowd noise and atmosphere," Roach told The Times.
England pacer Stuart Broad has already worked with a sports psychologist to make sure he gets his emotions amped and be prepared to give his best in absence of crowd.
"I'm very aware of that, I've already spoken to our sports psychologist about creating a mindset around making sure I can get my emotions up to where they need to be for me to perform at my best. I have got to make sure my emotions are where they need to be for an international Test match and that is something I started working on in early June,” Broad said.
