The much-awaited cricket resumption started off with a hilarious moment in Southampton, when at the toss, West Indies captain Jason Holder forgot the unwritten no-handshake rule that has come about thanks to COVID-19, leaving England stand-in captain Ben Stokes who had put his fist out in splits.

“You can’t do that, never mind just sanitize those hands,” joked the broadcaster who was not present but was conducting the toss through a robot.

England won the toss and chose to bat first as the 117-day wait for an international cricket match finally ended after COVID-19 halted cricketing activities around the world.

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Veteran pacer Stuart Broad was left out by England, who opted to go for the extra pace option of Mark Wood to partner Jofra Archer and James Anderson.

“Overhead conditions didn’t change our perception. Looks dry on top. Won’t have too much pace in it. Recently spin’s come into it. Tough decision with Broad and Woakes. But we feel that we can have an extra dimension with the pace of Wood and Archer," said Ben Stokes, who is leading England for the first time as regular captain Joe Root is away for the birth of his second child.

“Not too disheartened with bowling first. Will look to make use of these conditions. We’ve got four quicks. Got Chase as a spin bowling option. Discipline’s the name of the game. Been little strange. Haven’t been able to move out of the hotel. It is what it is. Preparation’s been good,” said West Indies captain Jason Holder.