Breese expects competitive WI-ENG series

Former West Indies and Jamaica off-spinning all-rounder Gareth Breese is expecting a very competitive series when the West Indies travel to take on England in the three-Test matches.

Breese, who has been living in the UK since 2004, is currently employed as a spin bowling coach with the England and Wales Cricket Board women’s pathway group since 2018. He says he expects some good cricket to be played, with both sides having a point to prove.

“The West Indies won the trophy the last time England toured the Caribbean, so they will be confident; but knowing the pride and after winning the World Cup, England are not going to want to lose at home, so I am sure it is going to be a very competitive series and, hopefully, there is some good cricket to be played,” said Breese.

The 44-year off-spinner, who played 11 seasons with English county side Durham, says conditions in the UK has been the best it has been in a long time and the touring West Indies team can expect the best for this unprecedented series, which will begin on July 8 at the Ageas Bowl, followed by Tests at the Emirates Old Trafford on July 16 and July 24.

The three matches will be played behind closed doors at the biosecure venues, which both have hotels on-site.

“It’s new and a series like this has never been done before, but one thing I can tell you is that they (ECB) will not be putting any players at risk and whatever is going to be in place, I am sure it is going to be the best.”

The right-hander, who played 125 first-class matches for Jamaica, says the region has a good crop of spinners; however, playing in different conditions has posed a challenge.

“From what I have seen, we have had some decent spinners. Rakheem Cornwall has held his own with some match-winning performances, but the challenge is when they come to places like England, where the wickets don’t spin much and they have to change their style,” said Breese.

The former Wolmer’s Boys’ and Lucas Cricket Club player, who picked up two wickets in his solitary Test for the West Indies against India in Chennai back in 2002, says the regional spinners will have to adapt quickly, as playing in the UK is a completely different ball game.

“First, the spinners will have to keep their fingers warm as much as possible; but what is important is getting information on conditions beforehand to know what works and what doesn’t work, and one has to have an open mind,” added Breese.