England vs West Indies weather: Rain threatens to delay start after months-long wait for live cricket

Delayed start? The rain is coming down on the south coast
AFP via Getty Images
Tom Dutton8 July 2020

Rain is threatening to delay the start of the First Test between England and West Indies.

England are scheduled kick off their summer with a behind-closed-doors Test at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on Wednesday morning, with stand-in captain Ben Stokes set to name his side ahead of play.

Cricket fans have waited months for live action due to the coronavirus pandemic, but may now have to wait a little longer with the 11am start under threat as the rain comes down on the south coast.

"News from Southampton !!!!! It’s raining," tweeted former England captain Michael Vaughan.

Stokes is set to leave out Stuart Broad, preferring the high speed duo of Jofra Archer and Mark Wood.

Broad last missed a home Test match eight years ago, when he was rested in a dead rubber against the West Indies. He enjoyed a strong 2019, averages 24 over his last two home summers and is just 15 wickets short of becoming the second Englishman to 500.

But, barring a last minute change of heart, England are leaning towards pairing Archer and Wood for the first time in Tests.