West Indies will prove to be a stiff test – Burns
England batsman Rory Burns expects the West Indies to offer a "stiff test" when Test cricket returns next month.
A three-match series between the teams will take place in July, subject to final approval from the Government and, after months in lockdown due to the coronavirus crisis, the sport itself is finally back on the agenda.
Burns is expected to reclaim his place in the batting order, surrendered at the turn of the year when a warmup game of football in Cape Town left him with serious ankle ligament damage, but knows it will be far from easy.
He was a rookie member of the side that toured the Caribbean in 2018, averaging a modest 24.16 as the hosts claimed the Wisden Trophy 2-1.
"The last time we played them they won, they're certainly no slouches," Burns told Sky's Cricket Show.
"Their bowling attack caused us a lot of problems they're very skilful and have got some pace. There's a lot of good cricketers there and think it's going to be a stiff test no matter what."
The West Indies will arrive via charter flight on Tuesday carrying a 25-man squad, including full members and standbys, with only Darren Bravo, Shimron Hetmyer and Keemo Paul opting not to travel due to the pandemic.
The England and Wales Cricket Board remains confident in its plan to create a 'biosecure' bubble at the Ageas Bowl, which hosts the first Test from July 8, and Emirates Old Trafford, where the next two will be played. Burns went on to suggest that the players had also been persuaded by the medical and logistical briefings they had heard.