A 25-man touring party from the Caribbean departed to England for a scheduled three-match Test series after testing COVID-19 negative.
On Monday (June 8), two planes collected players from various islands in the West Indies and they joined a private charter that is due to arrive in Manchester today.
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It has been confirmed by Cricket West Indies (CWI) that the tourists will be properly quarantined and retested on arrival in the UK.
After spending three weeks in Manchester, the squad will move to Southampton for the start of the first Test from July 8. The visitors will then return to the Old Trafford for the last two Test matches (July 16-20 and 24-28 respectively).
The two venues were chosen for the series considering they have on-site hotel facilities and are safe for creation of a bio-secure bubble.
The series, marking the resumption of international cricket, will be played entirely behind closed doors, without any crowd presence and while following the highest safety protocols for training and on-field action.
"The bio-secure protocols will restrict movement in and out of the venues, so a group of reserve players will travel to train and help prepare the Test squad and ensure replacements are available in case of any injury," reads a CWI media release.
Captain of West Indies, Jason Holder, said he is really "happy" travelling to England and be part of a historic series post COVID-19 hiatus.
“This is a huge step forward in cricket and in sports in general as we travel over to England for this series. A lot has gone into the preparations for what will be a new phase in the game," said Holder.
"I’m happy for the support and well-wishes we have been receiving from our loyal and dedicated fans once it was confirmed the tour would go-ahead. This has been a source of great inspiration."
"We have a fantastic group of cricketers, coaches, medical staff and support staff and I know everyone is eagerly looking forward to the start of the first match when we can get back on the field of play."
"There is expectation in the air that we will defend the Wisden Trophy and we will certainly put in the work and give it our all to keep hold of it."
West Indies Test squad: Jason Holder (captain), Jermaine Blackwood, Nkrumah Bonner, Kraigg Brathwaite, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Roston Chase, Rahkeem Cornwall, Shane Dowrich, Chemar Holder, Shai Hope, Alzarri Joseph, Raymon Reifer and Kemar Roach.
Reserve Players: Sunil Ambris, Joshua DaSilva, Shannon Gabriel, Keon Harding, Kyle Mayers, Preston McSween, Marquino Mindley, Shayne Moseley, Anderson Phillip, Oshane Thomas and Jomel Warrican.
