West Indies vice-captain Kraigg Brathwaite will get an opportunity to test the mettle of his leadership against his skipper when the two face-off in a three-day practice game inside Emirates Old Trafford in the morning.

The West Indies are looking to defend their hold on the Wisden Trophy in a three-Test series against England beginning July 8 at the Rose Bowl in Southampton.

During a press conference, earlier today, head coach Phil Simmons, had said he would be using the three-day warm-up to focus on two things in particular.

One; whether or not Gabriel was fit enough to last the tour, and two; what a batting line-up without Darren Bravo and Shimron Hetmyer might look like.

As such, Brathwaite, the team’s long-time vice-captain, will have for company, his opening partner John Campbell, Shai Hope, Roston Chase, and wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich as batsmen, while Raymon Reifer holds down the all-rounder role in the team.

Brathwaite also has a formidable bowling attack with young Chemar Holder, Anderson Phillip, Keon Harding, Oshane Thomas and Marquino Mindley to choose four from.

Holder will lead a team that includes the returning Jermaine Blackwood and Sunil Ambris, as well as Nkrumah Bonner. He also has to guide some newcomers in Joshua DaSilva, and Kyle Mayers.

There is also the newby in Preston McSween, who might get a game, but the skipper may choose to go with the experience of Kemar Roach and Shannon Gabriel up front, backed up by the offspin of Rahkeem Cornwall and Alzarri Joseph.   

The last time the West Indies and England met, the latter, who were visiting the Caribbean, failed to hold on to the Wisden Trophy after suffering a 2-1 defeat.

Captain Joe Root has said his side would love to take revenge and take back the Wisden Trophy, but the visitors are confident they can give a good account of themselves, even without some of their stars and in English conditions.