Southampton
West Indies and England bring down the curtains, as the big boys cricket is back on the 22-yard track, after being in cold storage for over three months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
But, things are not looking bright for the the visitors in recent time, and their own former skipper Brian Lara has rubbed more salt saying that they (West Indies) cannot survive this five-day version of the game, and host will have an edge over them.
Batting legend Lara believes Windies will need to adopt a proactive approach in the upcoming three-Test series against England and consider the matches as four-day games as the visitors doesn't have the firepower to last five days.
The 51-year-old former skipper said while West Indies' boast of a formidable bowling attack, their batting department is a concern, which is precisely the reason behind his statement.
The three-Test series between England and the West Indies starts here from tomorrow in a bio-secure environment, marking the resumption of international cricket which was shutdown in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"They (West Indies) have to be able to pounce immediately. England are not beaten very easily at home and are overwhelming favourites," Lara was quoted as saying by BBC Sport.
"They have to hit the road running and stamp their authority on England. I don't think they can last five days, so they have to take these games in four days. They have to establish a lead and keep it."
Lara, who has scored a record 11,953 runs for the West Indies in 131 Tests, said adaptability to the English conditions would be key for West Indies, who are the holders of the Wisden Trophy after winning 2-1 in the Caribbean last year.
The former left-handed batsman said it would be a great achievement for West Indies if they can win the series as they have not won a series in England since 1988.
"It's going to be a series that's watched all around the world and everybody is hoping to see a competitive series," said Lara, who scored 34 Test centuries.
"It would mean a lot to all West Indians if they could win. If they play good cricket on the first day of the Test series, show they have the mettle to perform against England, that's the key."
The second and third Tests of the series will be played at Old Trafford in Manchester.
West Indies great Brian Lara isn't too optimistic of Jason Holder's men winning the Test series in England, he feels West Indies can't afford to take time and have to get into high-intensity action right from Day 1 of the series. The West Indies legend believes a lot will depend on how Jason Holder and his men perform on the opening day at the Ageas Bowl.
No international cricket has been played since March 13 as the novel coronavirus pandemic has brought the sporting world to a grinding halt.
The upcoming Test series in England will be watched from all over the globe as it's been seen as a baby step towards return of full-fledged competitive cricket.
West Indies arrived in the UK as early as June and were in quarantine before playing the two intra-squad practice matches in Manchester.
