ENG vs WI: 1st Test – Talking points from opening day
International cricket returned in a bio-secure environment but it was not enough to protect it from rain interruptions. Opening day of the first Test between England and West Indies at the Rose Bowl, Southampton was marred by rain. After various breaks, all we could savour was 17.4 overs which included 35 runs and one wicket. Yet, the day will go down as one of the memorable days in cricket’s history.
The toss
English all-rounder Ben Stokes who became the 81st Test captain of England made a bright start with the toss. However, the scene of the toss differed from the usually crowded visual. Only the two captains and a match referee were present at the toss. Stokes opted to bat first and also conveyed the surprise omission of Stuart Broad. England opted for the express pace of Mark Wood over Broad. The English captain told all this to the host via a robot cam.
Sanitise those hands, @benstokes38! ?
England’s captain wins the toss and chooses to bat in a new-look toss as Test cricket returns. ?
Watch live on Sky Sports Cricket now or follow here: https://t.co/ZUqX1InU7t pic.twitter.com/rp8ShsKcC5
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 8, 2020
Black lives matter
Apart from the coronavirus, the world has been battling with the evil of racism. West Indian cricketers declared well before the series that they will be supporting the movement. All the West Indian platers will sport the Black Lives Matter logo on their uniforms. After paying their tributes to Everton Weekes who passed away recently, everyone present at the ground took a knee in support of the BLM movement.
England and West Indies players take a knee ahead of the first #EngvWI Test in support of #BlackLivesMatter
Watch live on Sky Sports Cricket now or follow here: https://t.co/ZUqX1InU7t pic.twitter.com/avR3aFUiTj
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 8, 2020
Sibley’s leave
England opened the batting with Rory Burns and Dominic Sibley whereas West Indies chose Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel to share the new ball. Roach had a close call in the first over itself but the LBW review remained with the umpire as Burns survived. Sibley was not so lucky though. His leave proved costly as Gabriel managed to hit the stumps. The return after the wait of over four months ended in four balls for Sibley as he walked back without a run on his name. Burns and Joe Denly batted out the remaining day until bad light ensured the end of it.
