5 key speaking factors forward of England’s Take a look at collection towards the West Indies

England’s Take a look at group are determined to arrest their slide after an Ashes thrashing, with the West Indies standing of their approach.

A 3-match collection within the Caribbean begins in Antigua on Tuesday, with lots to ponder for the touring aspect.

Right here, the PA information company appears on the huge points.

Root’s management in focus

Heads rolled after England returned from Australia with their tails between their legs, as head coach Chris Silverwood, assistant Graham Thorpe and director of cricket Ashley Giles all misplaced their jobs. Questions have been requested of Joe Root’s captaincy too, however – with alternate options skinny on the bottom – he has held on to the reins. Having led the aspect 61 occasions, he’s already England’s most skilled skipper, however he should now show he has the will, drive and nous to steer the rebuild. His transfer to quantity three within the order reveals he isn’t shirking the problem.

Anderson and Broad loom giant

Not since Kevin Pietersen was axed has an England squad choice drawn a response just like the removing of document wicket-taker James Anderson and fellow nice Stuart Broad. Neither had been responsible of underperforming on the pitch in Australia however at 39 and 35 respectively, the choice was made to depart them at house. With Ollie Robinson now injured, the seam assault has already misplaced yet another pillar, leaving a lot on the shoulders of all-rounder Chris Woakes and velocity service provider Mark Wooden. Craig Overton, who was an unused squad member all through the Ashes, can be set to take a heavy load. With two observers taking notes a number of thousand miles away, it’s a gamble that should go effectively.

Lees takes his flip

Rory Burns and Haseeb Hameed each endured dreadful struggles Down Beneath, paying with their locations in a revamped squad. Opening the batting has been a precarious occupation for England because the heady days when Sir Alastair Cook dinner and Sir Andrew Strauss teamed up. County cricket’s brightest and greatest have queued as much as strive their luck and none has to but to make a long-lasting impression. Enter Alex Lees, one an thrilling younger prospect at Yorkshire and now a extra mature senior man with Durham. He offers in consistency and has an a extra orthodox approach than some who’ve come earlier than, two qualities England hope will enable to transition easily. He’ll turn out to be the nation’s 701st males’s Take a look at cricketer on Tuesday.

Glove in

Few gamers have needed to be as affected person as Ben Foakes lately, with the Surrey wicketkeeper routinely successful plaudits as one of many sport’s most achieved glovemen, whereas failing to catch the attention of the England selectors. Eight Checks in three-and-a-half years is a skinny physique of labor, notably after Foakes scored a century on debut in Galle and was later named participant of the collection. For the primary time he has the arrogance of realizing he has been backed as primary and, in a group in need of world-class operators, he has the talents to be precisely that.

England by no means cruise within the Caribbean

At any time when England are on the town, the West Indies up their sport. Whether or not than may be traced to the large travelling crowds and occasion ambiance that include these excursions, well-founded historic grievances or the will to upend a member of the fashionable ‘huge three’ doesn’t completely matter. What issues, is that issues are inclined to get powerful for the English on these islands. They’ve triumphed in a Take a look at collection simply as soon as since 1968 – with the category of 2004 holding the honour – and have been on the top of a 2-1 upset final day trip. In relation to Antigua, issues are even worse: England have by no means received a single Take a look at right here in 10 makes an attempt.