West Indies announces an unchanged playing XI for 2nd Test vs England
Despite an innings and 114-run loss in the first Test to England at the Lord's Cricket Ground in London, West Indies have gone ahead with an unchanged XI for the second fixture in Nottingham. The second Test will get underway on Thursday, July 18.
Led by Kraigg Brathwaite, the West Indies will be keen to bounce back in the three-match series. They are currently 0-1 down after losing the first match by an innings and 114 runs.
The Caribbeans put on insipid batting displays at Lord's, managing not even 150 runs in both innings. They will have to come up with better batting performances and put runs on the board if they want to challenge England.
West Indies skipper Kraigg Brathwaite also assured that Shamar Joseph was keeping well and is fit to play after walking off midway from the field at Lord's. As quoted by BBC Sport, he claimed:
"The guys are very eager and ready to go. We have to bat better - we have to find a way. We have to put runs on the board. It’s simple. We believe 100% in the guys that played the first Test. Shamar has been good to go for a couple of days.”
With no red-ball cricket leading up to the Test, the young speedster struggled and returned with figures of 15.4-1-68-0.
West Indies playing XI: Kraigg Braithwaite, Alick Athanaze, Joshua Da Silva (wk), Kavem Hodge, Jason Holder, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Mikyle Louis, Kirk Mckenzie, Gudakesh Motie, and Jayden Seales.
West Indies hope to use England's focus on Ashes to their advantage
Speaking to reporters ahead of the second Test, West Indies wicketkeeper Joshua Da Silva believes if England take the tourists for granted, it could lead to their downfall.
He said, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo:
"That's their biggest fixture of their calendar. So if they're looking forward, they're looking to groom some players to make sure they have their team ready for them. I don't think it's wrong of them at all. Nah, it doesn't hurt us. I don't study it especially. We still have to play the cricket. If they take us for granted we might get a win, or might win the series. For me, I take that as a favor."
Meanwhile, speedster Mark Wood will take up James Anderson's place in England's playing XI for the second Test. Anderson, who picked up four wickets at Lord's, retired from international cricket after the first Test against the West Indies.