Cricket News : England starts practice ahead of the 2nd test in Manchester

The England cricket squad conducted a training session at Old Trafford in Manchester ahead of the 2nd Test against West Indies. England captain Joe Root took part in the session after returning to the team 'bubble', having left the group a couple of weeks ago to attend the birth of his second child. Root will be back in charge after Ben Stokes deputised at the Rose Bowl in the 4-wicket defeat. England spinner Dom Bess admitted that there was some rust on show amongst the England players as they slipped to a 4-wicket defeat in the first Test against West Indies but remains confident that there is enough talent in the squad to turn things around. On the other hand, West Indies head coach Phil Simmons was a little bit surprised not to see Stuart Broad in England's bowling attack for the first Test. The tourists won in Southampton to take a 1-0 lead and will take on England again in the second Test which begins in Manchester. Jermaine Blackwood will look to continue his good form after making an impressive 95 in his second innings on the south coast.