Test cricket returns as rain affects England vs West Indies on Day one

International cricket returned Wednesday after a four-month absence with England and West Indies managing just 82 minutes of play in a rain-hit opening day of first test that started with players taking a knee in support of Black Lives Matter movement. England was 35-1 at stumps having faced only 17.4 overs because of light but intermittent rain at Southampton's Rose Bowl, where re were spectators for a match being played in an isolated environment because of coronavirus pandemic. Rory Burns was 20 t out and Joe Denly was unbeaten on 14, with Dom Sibley man out bowled by Shann Gabriel off 10th delivery of day.

Test cricket returns 

Moments before first ball was bowled, West Indies' fielding players knelt in outfield while ir England counterparts did same around boundary edge in support a movement that has grown since killing of George Floyd in United States in May.  A Black Lives Matter logo also was on collar of test shirts worn by players from both teams. kneeling gesture has been made before Premier League matches since resumption of soccer in England last month.

"It was a great moment," Gabriel said, "showing something we stand for and that racism has part in cricket." 

England assistant coach Graham Thorpe said team felt it was important to show solidarity with West Indies players.

"We don't want racism in our game and we want a fair and equal society for our children," Thorpe said. 

"It was absolutely right to do it. You felt a part of something which was very important." 

re was a minute's silence in hor of those who died in coronavirus pandemic and also West Indies great Everton Weekes, who died last week. Play started after a three-hour delay because of light rain and a wet outfield, and only lasted for three overs before teams had to go back inside because of ar shower. By n, Sibley had seen his off stump kcked back following a poorly judged leave of a ball that angled in. After that, players went off for rain three times, and re was play possible after 4:28 p.m. local time (1528 GMT).

"It's been a bit tough, coming off and on," said Gabriel, who had figures of 1-19 off five overs. 

"We just have to keep switched on when we come back on. It's been a tough day but we've been doing well so far." 

Ben Stokes, England's stand-in captain because Joe Root was absent because of birth of his second child, won toss and opted to bat under overcast skies. Captain for first time, Stokes made a big call in leaving out fast bowler Stuart Broad  a long-time regular in team. Jofra Archer, Mark Wood and James Anderson will make up England's pace attack along with Stokes. After toss was made, Stokes briefly forget about social distancing when he went to shake hand of Holder. Holder move his hand away and both allrounders laughed.

Im credits: Twitter