CRICKET’S BACK!
IT’S WET, EMPTY, ONLY 17 OVERS PLAYED AND ENGLAND LOSE WICKET WITHOUT SCORING, BUT STILL...
THE long-awaited return of international cricket suffered a frustrating start as rain dominated day one of England’s Test series against the West Indies in Southampton.
The bio-secure Ageas Bowl was hosting the first meeting of any international teams since March 13, but just 17.4 overs were possible as England reached 35 for one.
Dom Sibley will be cursing his fate after falling for a four-ball duck, playing no stroke, but the most significant moment took place before a ball had been bowled, when the entire squads of both sides put up a united front in a gesture of solidarity and equality.
After the start was delayed by three hours the sides formed a semi-circle in the middle and stood for two silences.
The first recognised those who have lost their lives during the coronavirus pandemic and the second was dedicated to West Indies great Sir Everton Weekes, who died last week age 95.
Then, the on-field players plus
umpires Richard Kettlebrough and Richard Illingworth took their starting positions before sinking in unison to their knees in support of the Black Lives Matter movement, the tourists with black gloves on raised right fists.
‘It was a very strong message and very important for both sides to show solidarity and do that together,’ said England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler.
The sobriety of the act stood at odds with a light-hearted toss, when Jason Holder went for a now-outlawed handshake while Stokes anticipated a fist
bump. After an awkward laugh he confirmed England’s team – no Stuart Broad in a home Test for the first time in eight years and a first joint appearance for Jofra Archer and Mark Wood in Tests.
The wisdom of that call will be tested later in the game, with Stokes opting to bat despite the gloom.
Rory Burns had already survived an lbw appeal via DRS on the fourth ball from Kemar Roach before Shannon Gabriel knocked over
Sibley’s stumps in the second over. A shower forced the players off at the end of the third over while a second stint lasted just second balls. A third and final burst of activity was possible before bad light and drizzle brought the curtain down but Burns and Joe Denly avoided further loss. England assistant coach Graham Thorpe said: ‘It’s been unfortunate after a long wait for the return of cricket this summer. It’s important to have cricket back.’