West Indies arrive in England ahead of three-Test series

39-strong touring party will live and train in ‘bio-secure’ environment at Old Trafford

West Indies captain Jason Holder and his team have arrived in Manchester. Photograph: Getty
West Indies captain Jason Holder and his team have arrived in Manchester. Photograph: Getty

The West Indies squad have arrived in Manchester ahead of their three-Test tour of England.

Every member of the 39-strong touring party, including 25 players, tested negative for Covid-19 before they set off on a charter flight to Manchester Airport.

They were each due to be tested again at their new base at Emirates Old Trafford, where they will live and train in a ‘bio-secure’ environment for the vast majority of their seven-week stay.

A West Indies Cricket statement said: “The bio-secure protocols will restrict movement in and out of the venues, so a group of reserve players will travel to train and help prepare the Test squad and ensure replacements are available in case of any injury.”

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The West Indies arrive at their Old Trafford base ahead of a three-Test series against England. Photograph: Paul Ellis/Getty
The West Indies arrive at their Old Trafford base ahead of a three-Test series against England. Photograph: Paul Ellis/Getty

The first Test will take place at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on July 8th before, in a departure from tradition, two Tests are played at one venue — Old Trafford.

Captain Jason Holder told the West Indies Cricket website: "This is a huge step forward in cricket and in sports in general as we travel over to England for this series.

“A lot has gone into the preparations for what will be a new phase in the game.

“I’m happy for the support and well-wishes we have been receiving from our loyal and dedicated fans once it was confirmed the tour would go ahead. This has been a source of great inspiration.”