Joe Root says England must prepare well to face formidable Windies bowling

Southampton:England captain Joe Root has said that West Indies have a 'formidable' bowling attack and his team must prepare well to face it during the upcoming three match Test series. 

England had suffered a 1-2 loss against the West Indies in their away series last year and the visitors will be banking heavily on their pace attack, which feature the likes of Jason Holder, Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel, to retain the Wisden Trophy.

"We are very aware of the skill West Indies have and what they will bring to this series," Root told BBC Sport."One thing that stood out was how formidable their bowling attack can be. It is really important we prepare well and we are ready for all of that,'' he added.

Jason Holder, the leading run-scorer on either side in 2019, is the number one all-rounder in Test cricket, followed by England's Ben Stokes and West Indies head coach Phil Simmons has predicted their rivalry would be 'huge' during this series.

"Jase is one of the most well-respected guys in international cricket. He took the job at a young age and we are starting to see him at the peak of his career. He comes across as a very good bloke. I am looking forward to chatting to him from a social distance,'' Root said about his rival skipper Jason Holder.

The three match Test series, which will take place behind closed doors, begins on July 8 in Southampton and will mark the return of international cricket following a coronavirus hiatus.(UNI)