West Indies arrive in England ahead of Test series

They will now travel to Manchester, where they will remain for three weeks in a bio-secure environment ahead of the three games, then travelling down to the Ageas Bowl for the first Test, which is due to begin on July 8

The West Indies squad has arrived in England for their three-match Test series against England.

The players had been picked up by two charter planes throughout the day from their home countries before departing from Antigua on Monday evening.

The entire touring party was tested for Covid-19 last week ahead of the trip, with every result coming back as negative.

They will now travel to Manchester, where the 39-strong group will complete a quarantine fortnight, remaining there for three weeks in a bio-secure environment ahead of the games. They will travel down to the Ageas Bowl for the first Test, which is due to begin on July 8.

On arrival at Emirates Old Trafford, where the group will stay pre-series – and where the second and third Tests are also taking place, they will be tested for coronavirus again as an unusual seven-week tour gets underway.

The bio-secure protocols will restrict movement in and out of the venues, so a group of 14 reserve players has also been selected to travel in order to train and help prepare the Test squad and ensure replacements are available in case of any injury.

Meanwhile, Floyd Reifer will temporarily join the coaching staff as batting coach, with Monty Desai prevented from flying owing to travel restrictions in India. Similarly, analyst A.R. Srikkanth is also based in India; he will work remotely for the duration of the trip.

Former West Indies coach Reifer is joined by current incumbent Phil Simmons, assistants Roddy Estwick and Rayon Griffith and a medical team.

^{Image: England and Wales Cricket Board/Getty Images}

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