On Tuesday, the West Indian squad landed in Manchester to prepare for their three-game Test series this July. This tour is particularly significant as it represents the official restart of international cricket following the widespread shutdowns caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The series will take place across Manchester and Southampton, with rigorous safety measures in place to prevent further infections. Captain Jason Holder and his teammates were seen wearing face masks upon their arrival. The team's journey started Monday, with players traveling from different islands on two flights before boarding a chartered plane to the UK. The series had been planned for June at the Oval and Edgbaston, but was delayed due to the global health crisis.
Fans will have to watch from home, as all three matches will be played in empty stadiums. The tournament spans 21 days, beginning with the first Test on July 8 in Southampton, while the subsequent matches will be hosted at Old Trafford from July 16-20 and July 24-28. Due to the current circumstances, the council has allowed the primary squad to be accompanied by reserve players. These substitutes will be available to step in throughout the series, providing much-needed flexibility as cricket enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await the first ball.