The ENG vs WI first Test will be played at Lord’s from July 10-14. This match kickstarts England’s home summer of three Test matches against England.
ENG vs WI Team Analysis
England
Ben Stokes will captain the England team in the upcoming series, marking James Anderson’s farewell Test match. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has already unveiled the playing XI for the opening Test, introducing two debutants into the fold. Pacer Gus Atkinson and wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith have been selected to make their first appearances.
In a strategic move, England has opted to omit several experienced players who did not meet expectations during the previous series against India. Rested for the first two Tests are Jonny Bairstow, Tom Hartley, Ollie Robinson, Jack Leach, Ben Foakes, and Mark Wood, allowing newer faces an opportunity to step up and make an impact.
West Indies
West Indies will be led by Kraig Brathwaite. He has a few experienced players returning in the form of Jason Holder and Jayden Seals. Kemar Roach the veteran pacer is ruled out with a knee injury. Right-arm pacer Jeremiah Louis has been named as his replacement.
West Indies have also selected uncapped opening batter Mikyle Louis in the 15-player squad for the three-match series. Meanwhile, Windies pacer Shamar Joseph has plans to ruin James Anderson’s farewell Test match.
ENG vs WI Key Factors
Pitch Conditions
Lord’s Cricket Ground has been the setting for 145 Test matches so far, where teams batting first have triumphed in 52 matches, while those batting second have secured victories in 42. Renowned as one of England’s premier batting venues, Lord’s offers pitches characterized by consistent pace, bounce, and favorable conditions for bowlers, with good carry through to the wicketkeeper. Teams batting first have historically been able to post substantial scores, often around the 400-run mark, provided they apply themselves effectively at the crease.
Form and Fitness
Both teams are transitioning from a prolonged period of white-ball cricket to Test cricket, which may necessitate some adjustment time for players to regain their form. The focus of attention in this match will undoubtedly be on James Anderson, as he prepares to bid farewell in his final Test appearance.
Tactical Acumen
Ben Stokes as England’s captain has played Test cricket with an attacking templateStokes as England captain has played the format with an attacking template.
He has asked teams to bat first and has preferred chasing. By his admission, Ben Stokes has said that he plays this format to win games.
ENG vs WI Score Prediction
| Team | 1st Innings | 2nd Innings |
| England | 300-400 | 300-350 |
| West Indies | 200-300 | 200-250 |
Recent Venue Records (Lord’s Cricket Ground, London)
STATS – TEST
Total matches 145
Matches won batting first 52
Matches won bowling first 42
Average 1st Inns scores 310
Average 2nd Inns scores 299
Average 3rd Inns scores 257
Average 4th Inns scores 156
Highest total recorded 729/6 (232 Ov) by AUS vs ENG
Lowest total recorded 38/10 (15.4 Ov) by IRE vs ENG
Who Will Score Most Runs For England: Joe Root/ Ollie Pope
Who Will Take Most Wickets For England: James Anderson / Chris Woakes
Who Will Score Most Runs For West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite / Jason Holder
Who Will Take Most Wickets For West Indies: Alzarri Joseph / Shamar Joseph
ENG vs WI Match Prediction– Who Will Win Today’s Test Match 1? West Indies tour of England 2024
Playing at home England have the upper hand, in the Test match. However, it was West Indies who won the latest Test between the two sides.
Conclusion
The Lord’s Test will be the last for James Anderson and hence there is a lot of anticipation regarding the match, especially with Shamar Joseph’s comment on West Indies looking to ruin his farewell Test.
