Toss update: England have won the toss and will field first in the first Test against West Indies.

Playing XIs

West Indies: Kraigg Brathwaite (Captain), Mikyle LouisAlick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, , Kirk McKenzie,  Joshua Da Silva(w), Jason Holder, Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales

England: Ben Stokes(Captain),  Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, James Anderson

England vs West Indies 1st Test preview: The England cricket team’s home season will get underway on Wednesday, as Ben Stokes and Co are set to lock horns against Kraigg Brathwaite’s West Indies in the first Test at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground. The first Test at Lord’s will be followed by two more Tests, with the second Test in Nottingham (18 July) and the third in Birmingham (26 July).

The first Test will be an emotional occasion for England and their fans, as James Anderson, the hosts’ veteran pacer who has played 187 Tests till date, will make his way out for his 188th and final Test match for England as he bids adieu to the longest format. James Anderson is widely regarded as England’s best bowler, having taken 700 wickets in Tests — Anderson is the only England bowler to get to the 700-wicket mark in Tests.

England will have two Test debutants in Gus Atkinson and Jamie Smith, whereas Chris Woakes returns to the side after having taken a personal break due to the passing away of his father. Shoaib Bashir impressed on the tour of India this year, taking 17 wickets from three Tests, and will get an opportunity to do something similar in front of home fans this time around.

For West Indies, Kraigg Brathwaite’s opening partner will be Mikyle Louis, who is set to make his Test debut. Meanwhile, Jason Holder is set to return after aving missed the tour of Australia earlier this year.