Cricket News: England and West Indies left frustrated on Day 1 as Test Cricket returns

Test cricket is back. Finally, there was something to smile about for Cricket fans around the world. But the year 2020 just would not let us have it our way. Only under 18 overs were possible on day 1 of the 1st test between England and West Indies at Southampton. England and West Indies were left frustrated as rain restricted play on the first day of international cricket to be played in a bio-secure environment to just 17.4 overs. England and West Indies took a knee in support of the Black Lives Matter movement ahead of the first #raisethebat Test at The Ageas Bowl. Players and coaching staff from both sides, as well as the umpires, knelt just before the start of play on Wednesday afternoon, while both sides wore the Black Lives Matter symbol on their collars in Southampton. The hosts reached 35-1 behind closed doors at the Ageas Bowl, losing Dominic Sibley for a duck, as the first #raisethebat Test began fitfully following the easing of the coronavirus lockdown. Rarely can such an eagerly-awaited day have proved so exasperating as bad weather delayed the start of play until 2 pm before forcing two further interruptions inside the first five overs. Before a ball was bowled the players lined up in silence around the pitch in honour of those who have died during the COVID-19 pandemic - England's players have already paid tribute to key workers by wearing the names of doctors, nurses, teachers and carers on their training shirts. West Indies legend Sir Everton Weekes, who passed away aged 95 last week, was also remembered in a mark of respect. Some 163 days after their last Test, England lost their first wicket after 10 balls when Sibley offered no shot to a delivery from Shannon Gabriel that angled in and rattled his off-stump. Rory Burns (20no) and Joe Denly (14no) rallied England before bad light, then yet more rain, brought a third and final stoppage.