International Cricket is back with West Indies winning first test match against England

It’s good news for cricket fans around the world as international cricket made a comeback after a four months hiatus due to the coronavirus pandemic. West Indies played their first test match against England in Southampton and won with a brilliant display to lead 1-0 in the series of three test matches.

Of course, the setting of the match was affected by social distancing guidelines and took place behind closed doors in an empty stadium. The match was played at The Ageas Bowl, one of the two stadiums that were made bio-secure by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) with the other being Old Trafford.

A great performance by West Indies

Going into the match, West Indies were definitely the underdogs against England who are the current world champions. However, the Caribbean side was definitely up for the challenge and played with their heart with Shannon Gabriel and Jermaine Blackwood putting in a great performance in particular.

While the game didn’t go smoothly with the loss of some early wickets and the injury of John Campell. However, West Indies managed to clinch the win regardless of the challenges they faced against the host.

Overall, it was a fine performance by the West Indies and a good match to watch. The next match in the series is set to start on 16th July with England needing a win to maintain a chance to still win the entire series.

A win for betters too!

As the sports industry went on a break due to the pandemic, betters and sportsbooks around the world were also affected. Online sportsbooks such as 10cric that have been praised for their cricket markets will surely have observed a resurgence in traffic.

With international cricket coming back and more matches to come in the future, things are slowly going back to normal.

How cricket will be different in the new normal

A lot of things were different when you compare this match and the last international cricket match that was played on March 13, 2020. Here are some changes that will define cricket in the new normal:

• The matches will be played behind closed doors in bio-secure venues that are specifically modified to follow safety protocols for the players and staff.
  
  
• On-site hotels within the venues and bio-secure protocols would be followed for all the players. Additionally, on-site testing and screening would also be used as part of medical and operational plans.
  
  
• The players would be required to be isolated during training and practice. They would also be regularly tested to ensure safety of all players.
  
  
• Using saliva on the cricket ball would be prohibited, players would still be able to use sweat to shine the ball.
  
  
• There would be three reviews per innings instead of two and broadcasters would be using artificial crowd noise during the matches.
  
  
• Players will also have to make maintain social distancing during the matches including not celebrating the fall of wickets or coming into contact with the umpire.

Two more to go!

While West Indies managed to win the first match, there are two more to go and England would be looking for vengeance in the second match in the series. It would be interesting to see how the series plays out but so far, it’s just good news that international cricket is finally back.