On May 17th, test cricket is returning with the first test of England vs West Indies at Lords. England will be entering a new ears with Peter Moores as coach, and it will also be a new era for the West Indies as well, as they will be without Brian Lara, the holder of the highest test innings and most test runs.

Last time West Indies toured England, in 2004, they were whitewashed 4-0 in a year which England didn’t lose a single test in. It may be harder for England to repeat that, due to players returning from or out through injuries, and there could be more rain in the earlier part of the season. Still, England will be expecting to win this series and if they do not win at least 2-0 their test ranking points will go down.

For England, there is a lot of debate over the team they will play. Who should open the batting? Who should keep wicket? Who will be the pace bowlers? Is Trescothick ready to return? How many batsman or bowlers should they play? Last year, many players came into the team and impressed, but now the players who they were replacing have come back from their injuries, so the competition is fierce. The wicketkeeper spot is also hard to decide. Nixon has been impressing in the ODIs but may be too old, Prior is younger, a better batsman, but is his keeping up to scratch?

West Indies also have their own troubles. The recent years have seen a decline in their team, and there has also been all the sponsorship rows. Their new captain Sarwan will have to get them working as a team again, something which hasn’t happened as much recently.

Overall, England are the stronger side, but will have to be wary because, on their day, the West Indian team can be a challenge to anyone.

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