The West Indies squad have arrived in Manchester ahead of their three-Test tour of England.
Every member of the 39-strong touring party, including 25 players, tested negative for Covid-19 before they set off on a charter flight to Manchester Airport.
They were 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 West Indies arrive at their Old Trafford base ahead of a three-Test series against England. Photograph: Paul Ellis/Getty](https://www.irishtimes.com/resizer/v2/7YZYTAPUV3WA6EGYNJ6YLCVIGI.jpg?auth=4d7dd147bdd7e662d6dc026d56c3f46a04ded04d6aace6763aefbbff611c8523&width=800&height=450)
The first Test will take place at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton on July 8th before, in a departure from tradition, two Tests are played at one venue — Old Trafford.
Captain Jason Holder told the West Indies Cricket website: "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.
“I’m happy for the support and well-wishes we have been receiving from our loyal and dedicated fans once it was confirmed the tour would go ahead. This has been a source of great inspiration.”