XtraTime Web Desk: International cricket on Wednesday returned after almost 117 days with England and West Indies playing the first match at the Ageas Bowl. The test match is being played in a bubble following strict health protocols and inside closed doors.
The start of first day’s play was delayed due to overcast conditions and slight drizzles. England’s new test captain Ben Stokes (Joe Root is unavailable due to the birth of his second child) won the toss and elected to bat first. Both the teams observed a minutes silence as a mark of tribute to the coronavirus victims and also for late Sir Everton Weekes. Following the minute silence, players and support staffs of both the teams took a knee to show their support towards the Black Lives Matter movement.
The series has been named the #raisethebat Test series to pay tribute to Britain’s frontline workers during the pandemic. Keeping with the theme of social causes, the teams will sport the Black Lives Matter logo on their shirts.
The remaining two test matches will be played at Old Trafford from July 16 and 24 respectively.