West Indies may surprise England in three-Test cricket series: Joel Garner

West Indies team manager Joel Garner says that the Caribbean team has the potential to spring a surprise against England in the three-Test away cricket series starting on Thursday

England are in for a surprise if they expect a walkover in the three-Test showdown with West Indies, according to visiting team manager Joel Garner.

West Indies head coach Stuart Law (R) talks with captain Jason Holder during a practice session ahead of their three-Test away series against England. (Action Images via Reuters)

The legendary former Windies bowler was irked by the suggestion that England would have an easy time of things off the back of their 3-1 series win over South Africa.

Thursday sees the start of the first day-night Test in England and Garner is anticipating a keenly fought contest.

When it was put to him that the hosts might cruise to victory, Garner told Omnisport on behalf of Investec: “If you think that you’re going to be surprised because everyone wants to do well because everyone wants a long career in cricket.

The first England-West Indies Test will be played with pick balls. (AFP)

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“You call it an England victory, but I don’t think it’s going to be a walkover.

“The players are all here ready to play. Some of the batsmen have been performing and the mindset is good at the moment.

“Both teams start off at the same state, I don’t think it’ll be a walkover, you’ve got to get used to picking the [pink] ball, all the different things.

“All the players here are competent enough to represent the West Indies. It is the same team we’ve been travelling with.”

The Windies have not won a Test series in England since 1988.