British High Commission hosts reception for cricket teams

There is no greater cricketing excitement for peoples of the Caribbean than when the English Cricket team arrives in the region for a test and One-Day series.

Yesterday was no different as the scores of distinguished guest and members of the media were invited to the official residence of the British High Commissioner to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Janet Douglas, to meet and greet members of both teams at a high-level reception held in their honour.

In her remarks, Commissioner Douglas said she was once again delighted to welcome the teams and their officials to her residence for what she expects will be a very competitive series.

“The England tour is always a delight for us here in Bridgetown but particularly so this year as all of the matches are being played in countries of the Eastern Caribbean of which we cover from our High Commission,” she said.

“A huge welcome to the teams, senior officials from the Cricketing world in West Indies and England and also those of the local and international press who will be covering what we hope will be an exciting and enjoyable tour.”

In conclusion, the commissioner wished both teams the best of luck and took the opportunity to thank the many sponsors and everyone involved in making the reception possible.

The first match of the three-test series will bowl off at Kensington Oval on Wednesday January 23 while the second and third test will be played in St. Lucia and Antigua on January 31 and February 9 respectively.

England Test squad: Joe Root (capt), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Ben Foakes (wk), Keaton Jennings, Jack Leach, Adil Rashid, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood (replaced the injured Olly Stone).

West Indies 1st Test squad: Jason Holder (capt), Kraigg Brathwaite, Darren Bravo, Shamarh Brooks, John Campbell, Roston Chase, Shane Dowrich (wk), Shannon Gabriel, Shimron Hetmyer, Shai Hope (wk), Alzarri Joseph, Kemar Roach, Oshane Thomas, Jomel Warrican. (CH)