Stokes said that the decision was tough for him to take but opined that the inclusion of Archer and Wood adds a different dimension to the England pace attack.
Holding also explained the reason behind the Black Lives Matter movement, saying that the movement is all about equality and not about putting 'Black people above white people'.
Since 2018, Holder has been statistically the best all-rounder in Tests, averaging over 40 with the bat and an impressive 14.22 with the ball.
One of the significant changes witnessed on Wednesday was a socially-distanced team huddle as respective skipper Jason Holder and Ben Stokes delivered their speeches.
On Discussing West Indies' chances in the Test series, especially against a dominating England attack spearheaded by James Anderson, Lara advised the team to no attempt in attacking every bowler.
Each of the players of the host nation took the field at the Ageas Bowl on Wednesday morning wearing the name of key workers on their shirts.
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Holder holds the top spot in the rankings chart the all-rounder section while Stokes stands second. Yet, each time the word 'all-rounder' pops up world cricket can't talk enough about Stokes.
It’s clear the match being staged at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton is about much more than just cricket.
This implies that Zak Crawley will have to make his way for Root's inclusion in the second Test against West Indies
The Windies will lock horns against England in a three-Test series starting Wednesday at the Ageas Bowl, and it will mark the resumption of cricket after the sport was suspended in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
ECB had earlier last week confirmed that just like their Windies counterpart, they too will carry the Black Lives Matter logo on their jerseys on July 8
Stokes will be leading England in the first Test after Root left the bio-secure bubble in Southampton for Sheffield, to be with his wife, who is expecting their second child.
Stokes said that is his awaiting that special moment, while adding that he would rather want to focus on the game than get carried away by the excitement.
ICC welcome the resumption of international cricket on the eve of England hosting the West Indies in a three-Test #raisethebat series
Stokes was named as England's stand-in captain after Root left the bio-secure bubble and returned to Sheffield for the birth of his second child
England have five pacers in their squad but only three will be making it to the playing XI with spinner Dominic Bess being the other bowling option.
Bowlers won't be able to use saliva on match balls, players will have to refrain from celebrating together and the stadium will be devoid of fans.
West Indies coach Phil Simmons has said that the first Test will be a battle between all-rounders Jason Holder and Ben Stokes.
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