James Anderson Alastair Cook England
England stars James Anderson and Alastair Cook have a conversation during a training sessionReuters

It always is a little out of the spotlight when two teams, even major Test-paying nations, play a series while the IPL hullabaloo is on. But, for the West Indies and England, this Test series in the Caribbean, is about a fresh start, building on new hopes and a potential balm to soothe the wounds from recent disappointments.

England, it hardly need be said, are trying to bounce back from their pathetic show at the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, where they lost four of their six group matches to crash out before the knockout stages.

A dominant performance against the West Indies will help in moving on from that debacle and also preparing themselves for what proves to be a stellar summer of cricket with New Zealand and, crucially, Australia, lying in wait.

"Every time you put on the England shirt you are expected to win," said Alastair Cook, who returns as England captain after being dropped for the World Cup. "That is the English nature, but that won't change the feelings I get about being nervous."

This Test match in Antigua will be a special one for England fast bowler James Anderson, who will reach that magical 100th cap on Monday. Having disappointed, and then some, in the World Cup with his performances, what better way to move on than by picking up a couple of five-fors in your 100th Test.

"I have been preparing like it is any other Test and so have the guys," said Anderson to ECB's official website. "I'm obviously excited. It's a huge milestone for me as an individual, but it's not all about me -- it's a huge Test match for us as a team.

"We've got to put a pretty ordinary winter behind us and look at winning some Test matches now. We've got a lot of hard work to do out here, we know it is going to be tough, but we're really excited about the challenge."

Anderson is also expected to go past Ian Botham's record of 383 wickets and become England highest wicket-taker in Tests, with the fast bowler currently on 380. Looking to frustrate Anderson and England, though, will be a West Indies team who have a point or two to prove themselves.

Ranked eighth in the world, West Indies are on a mission to show they are not on an unending slide, and stopping England, who despite their ODI setbacks are ranked No.3 in Test cricket, will be a major step towards that target.

While some of their more high-profile cricketers are in India currently playing in the IPL, the West Indies do have some seriously talented players on show, and a couple of intriguing debutants as well, capable of easily tripping up this England side.

"We have a young team and we will come out and play exciting and attacking cricket," said West Indies skipper Denesh Ramdin. "It will be a tough series, with some hard days on the field, but we are ready for the hard work. We are fully prepared.

"I would like the team to go out and play competitive, exciting cricket. We know the opposition is a very good team. We need to do the basic stuff which is important."

West Indies will hope the appointment of a new coach in Phil Simmons, who was so impressive as the coach of Ireland, will bring about a change in fortunes, but patience will be key for this youngish team if they are to eventually get the better of England.

"I'm a proud West Indian and it feels great to be back in the Caribbean working with the West Indies team," said Simmons. "It has only been a week so far, but I am happy with our preparations and everyone is looking forward to the start of the first Test on Monday."

Where to Watch Live

The 1st Test Match is scheduled for a 10 am local time (7.30 pm IST, 3 pm BST) start with live TV coverage in India on Ten Cricket. Viewers in India can also catch West Indies vs England first Test via live streaming online on Ten Sports Live.

Audience in the UK and Ireland can catch the Test match live on Sky Sports 2, while Day 1 action can also be live streamed on Sky Go and Watch Sky Sports. Audience in Australia will be able to watch the match live on Fox Sports 3 or via live stream on Foxtel.

Viewers in the US can catch all the Test match action live on Willow TV or via live stream on Willow TV Online.