West Indies arrive for Test series as Pakistan point to tour going ahead

Pakistan have also given a strong nod to committing to their tour of England by naming their coaching staff.

Every member of the 39-strong West Indies touring party, including 25 players, tested negative for covid-19 before they set off on a charter flight to Manchester Airport.

They are each due to be tested again at their new base at Emirates Old Trafford, where they will live and train in a ‘bio-secure’ environment for the vast majority of their seven-week stay.

A West Indies Cricket statement said: “The bio-secure protocols will restrict movement in and out of the venues, so a group of reserve players will travel to train and help prepare the Test squad and ensure replacements are available in case of any injury.”

The first Test will take place in Southampton on July 8 before, in a departure from tradition, two Tests are played at one venue – Old Trafford.

Captain Jason Holder said: “This is a huge step forward in cricket and in sports in general as we travel over to England for this series. A lot has gone into the preparations for what will be a new phase in the game.”

On the original calendar, Pakistan were due to begin a Test series on July 30, but the enforced reshuffle means any series will now start later.

No official confirmation has been flagged of Pakistan’s commitment to tour, but in naming their staff, the suggestion is they intend to travel.

Mushtaq Ahmed, who also coached England’s spinners, will work for head coach Misbah-ul-Haq and alongside quick bowling coach Waqar Younis.