'What a Test match to herald the return of cricket' – Kumar Sangakkara

Reactions to West Indies’ thrilling final-day win over England in the first Test in Southampton

ESPNcricinfo staff13-Jul-2020

What a test match to Herald the return of cricket. Steely determination from @windiescricket both @benstokes38 and Jason Holder have shown themselves to be exemplary leaders.

— Kumar Sangakkara (@KumarSanga2) July 13, 2020

Congratulations Windies – that was a joy to watch. Burning rubber!

— Hugh Laurie (@hughlaurie) July 12, 2020

Great week of Test Cricket … For the West Indies to have come over to play is remarkable in these times … For them to have played so well & won is incredible … I don’t even think England fans will be too disappointed … bloody love Test cricket

— Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 12, 2020

Outstanding 1st test, @windiescricket can be very proud the way they fought over 5 days, @Jaseholder98 & @Coachsim13 have created a strong culture within the squad over the past year. More exciting things to come from the West Indies! #ENGvWI

— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) July 13, 2020

There's that thing that Eng men rarely win their first Test.

But more importantly, WI men played rally, rally good!

— Iain O'Brien (@iainobrien) July 12, 2020

Nice to wake up and see that the @windiescricket have won the first Test match. Given the build-up for this game, as well as the meaning behind it for so many reasons. So much strength can be taken out of this match for a team that is lead so well by @JasonHolder & @Coachsim13

— Lisa Sthalekar (@sthalekar93) July 12, 2020

Congrats @windiescricket for a magical performance Great test match win @Jaseholder98 & gang bring on Old Trafford #seampipbouncefizz pic.twitter.com/ZTthKCr8JJ

— Danny Morrison (@SteelyDan66) July 13, 2020

Well done @windiescricket Super win .. they seem to be able to life to their best especially against England Great stuff .. Congratulations!!!

— Russel Arnold (@RusselArnold69) July 13, 2020

Congrats @windiescricket well fought win in an entertaining Test match
Intriguing last days play. Bowlers all had a crack.
Blackwood’s 95 was awesome deserved a #TestCricketsBack #ENGvWI

— Damien Fleming (@bowlologist) July 13, 2020

Well done to @windiescricket played with patience great skill and maturity we’ll lead by their captain @Jaseholder98 #ENGvWI

— Daren Sammy (@darensammy88) July 12, 2020

First game after the break belongs to us!

Some gritty performance from the lads. This team deserves the win in this game. Congratulations boys

You make us proud… #ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/wYAVRGOwh6

— Sir Vivian Richards (@ivivianrichards) July 12, 2020

Can’t speak highly enough about the skill and character shown by @windiescricket . Very well coached and led by @Coachsim13 and @Jaseholder98 . Kudos to Gabriel and Blackwood as well for outstanding contributions. Yes still two test to go but good start.

— Ian bishop (@irbishi) July 12, 2020

Wow @windiescricket what a win. Top display of test cricket.

— Virat Kohli (@imVkohli) July 12, 2020

Well played Windies .
A big to @ECB_cricket and Sky sports for putting together some wonderful cricket during these times. #ENGvsWI #TestCricket

— Ashwin (During Covid 19)(@ashwinravi99) July 13, 2020

Congratulations #WestIndies for winning the first test . We got to see some good cricket, led by world class players from both the teams. Really settled the appetite as we missed the game over the past few months. #ENGvWI

— Azhar Mahmood (@AzharMahmood11) July 12, 2020

Great Test match victory!
Well done to @Jaseholder98 and the boys.
To the coaching and management staff great job getting the guys ready. #ENGvWI

— Brian Lara (@BrianLara) July 12, 2020

Absolutely brilliant by the West Indies, 1st Test win of the 3 match series. It was always going to be tough in the UK, but great character and resolve by @Jaseholder98 and his team. Critical contributions made by Gabriel & Blackwood. Celebrate and set your sights on the next one

— Daren Ganga (@DarenGanga) July 12, 2020

Well played, West Indies.
Well played, Test Cricket
Thank You, England….for making this possible in current times. Gratitude. #EngWI #TestCricket

— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) July 12, 2020

Great characters shown in this win by some key players.. congratulations to coach , capt and team https://t.co/sSEMl0kAz6

— Courtney A Walsh (@CuddyWalsh) July 12, 2020

Excellent win for @windiescricket
Led exceptionally by @Jaseholder98; Shannon Gabriel (9 wkts) stood up & Blackwood played a great knock in the run-chase. Great start to cricket after a long break. Crowds won’t be back in the stadiums but quality cricket is surely back #ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/DmkHBF8AML

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) July 12, 2020

Good all-round performances by players from both teams.
Jermaine Blackwood played a crucial knock in a tense situation to see @windiescricket through. An important win which has set up the series perfectly. #ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/PLbJlqIe8c

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) July 12, 2020

Many congratulations @windiescricket on a brilliant win. Great display of skills and maturity and extremely well led by Jason Holder. Top knock from Blackwood in the fourth innings and West Indies showing how it is done #ENGvWI pic.twitter.com/Y09bLzwaYk

— VVS Laxman (@VVSLaxman281) July 12, 2020