Reminding England of West Indies’ bowling depth, Test captain Joe Root said the hosts need to be well prepared to face the tourists’ “formidable” bowling attack in next month’s three-match Test series starting on July 8 at the Ages Bowl.
England had suffered a 1-2 defeat against the West Indies in the Test 2019 series and Root said they can’t take the visitors’ strong bowling attack for granted, as Jason Holder and his team will rely heavily on their potent pace unit to retain the Wisden Trophy next month.
West Indies will be banking heavily on their pace attack comprising Jason Holder, Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel in England to defend the Wisden Trophy when the opening Test of the three-match Test series gets underway at Ageas Bowl, Southampton on July 8.
Root told BBC Sport, “We are very aware of the skill West Indies have and what they will bring to this series. One thing that stood out was how formidable their bowling attack can be. It is really important we prepare well and we are ready for all of that.”
He is looking forward to taking the field against the West Indies captain and World’s No.1 Test all-rounder Holder in the upcoming series which will mark the return of international cricket after Coronavirus-forced hiatus. However, the England captain will miss the Southampton Test to attend the birth of his second child and in his absence, vice-captain Ben Stokes will lead the team against the Windies.
Root signed off by saying, “Jase is one of the most well-respected guys in international cricket. He took the job at a young age and we are starting to see him at the peak of his career. He comes across as a very good bloke. I am looking forward to chatting with him from a social distance.”
(With BBC Inputs)
