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XtraTime Web Desk: Jason Holder and his boys will be hoping for a historic test series win on English soil after 32 years when they take on England in the second test match of the series which starts in Old Trafford from July 16. The Men in Maroon is leading the three-match series 1-0 following their 4 wicket win the first test at Southampton.

While the visitors are unlikely to make any changes to their winning combination, the hosts will be boosted by the return of regular test captain Joe Root. The star batsman missed the first test as he was attending the birth of his second child. All-rounder Ben Stokes led the England side at the Ageas Bowl.

With Root making his way in the playing XI, the axe may fall on Joe Denly. The England batsman has been seriously out of form, scoring only 18 and 29 respectively in both innings. The hosts will face another selection dilemma with regard to Stuart Broad who did not get an opportunity in the first test. The English think tank went for an extra pace by including both Mark Wood and Jofra Archer.

For West Indies, Jason Holder and his boys looked relaxed. Jermaine Blackwood and Shanon Gabriel were the star performers for the Caribbeans. Gabriel with his nine-wicket haul was awarded the Man of the Match while Blackwood showed enough resolute to score 95 runs in the second innings.

Given the second Test starts just days after the end of the first, fitness is likely to be the West Indies' biggest issue as they return to Old Trafford, the venue for their quarantine period amid the pandemic and two subsequent intra-squad warm-up matches.

England in recent times has bounced back after losing the first test match of the series. The most recent example was the series against South Africa. Joe Root and his boys will need to pull off their socks against a rejuvenated West Indian side.