West Indies bat first in Test dedicated to Hurricane Irma victims
Having fought back at Headingley to level the series at 1-1, the tourists looked to continue where they left off.
The West Indies won the toss and chose to give in-form batsmen Kraigg Brathwaite and Shai Hope another early chance in the third Test against England at Lord’s.
Having fought back at Headingley to level the series at 1-1, Hope with two centuries and Brathwaite just five second-innings runs shy of the same achievement, the tourists looked to continue where they left off.
Jason Holder also announced his side would be unchanged as he put his confidence in the men who bounced back so well from their heavy opening loss at Edgbaston.
England made just the one pre-announced change, Toby Roland-Jones replacing Chris Woakes in the seam attack on a wicket showing a significant green tinge marked by blemishes on the turf described as “fairy rings”.
The Windies took to the field against the backdrop of Hurricane Irma wreaking havoc in their homeland and Holder’s thoughts were with the fans back home as he told Sky Sports: “This game’s for them.”
