England batsmen must prepare well if they are to get the better of a “formidable” West Indies bowling attack in the
three-Test series next month, captain Joe Root has said. West Indies will be banking heavily on their pace attack
in England to defend the Wisden Trophy which they won after triumphing 2-1 on home soil in the 2019 series.
Root said England could not afford
to lower their guard against an attack
which featured three bowlers – Jason
Holder, Kemar Roach and Shannon
Gabriel – who are among the top 20 in
official Test rankings.
“We are very aware of the skill West
Indies have and what they will bring to
this series,” Root told BBC Sport.
“One thing that stood out was how
formidable their bowling attack can be.
It is really important we prepare well
and we are ready for all of that.”
Holder is also the top ranked Test allrounder,
followed by England’s Ben
Stokes, and West Indies head coach Phil
Simmons has predicted their rivalry
would light up the series.
“Jase is one of the most well-respected guys in international cricket,”
Root said.
“He took the job at a young age and we are starting to see him at
the peak of his career.
“He comes across as a very good bloke. I am looking forward to
chatting to him from a social distance.”
Root has said he would miss the series opener in Southampton
from July 8 should it clash with the birth of his second child with
vice-captain Stokes taking the reins in his absence.
Manchester hosts the last two Tests of the series which will be
played behind closed doors in a bio-secure environment.
Root Reminds England Of Windies’ Bowling Depth
