Former West Indies opening batsman Suruj Ragoonath foresees the West Indies having a difficult time competing against  England, with weather conditions having a significant impact on the outcome of the series.

With the talented middle-order batsmen Shimron Hetmyer and Darren Bravo opting out of taking part in series, Ragoonath believes the regional team could struggle to put runs on the board, particularly in humid conditions.

“It going to be tough if you look at the players on the tour, from a batting standpoint. Shamarh Brooks averages just under 35 in his very short tenure, next to him is Jason Holder and Kraigg Brathwaite, each around 33," Ragoonath pointed out to the Mason and Guest radio program.

If you add up our batsmen’s averages, whatever combination you play, you will have an average score that is less than 250, which is not going to complete against England.  Especially if the atmosphere is such that the ball is moving around, you re going to be in real trouble,” he added.

"The fast bowling aspect is exciting and I think that’s where our one element of surprise is, but a lot will depend on the weather conditions."

Ragoonath believes the Windies may still be able to do well if the conditions are hot and dry, but once typical English weather conditions prevail, a battery of quality England swing bowler could make runs scoring an impossible task.