The English will take a lot of confidence from their recent performances at Old Trafford in which they beat the West Indies in back-to-back Tests to win the last-ever Wisden Trophy.

England captain, Joe Root, says that they will have the advantage of being used to the playing environment due to their two previous outings at the venue.

“We are used to playing in this environment, having three games under our belt, and we have played some really good cricket in the last two.

“Naturally, having played some high-intensity, competitive Test cricket will definitely serve us well going into this series. That, and obviously playing in our home conditions, gives us a head start.”

Play in Manchester is scheduled to get underway at noon, however, there is rain predicted and this will place a lot of emphasis on the toss.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport