England captain Alastair Cook has been given a stark warning of the threat West Indies will pose in the upcoming Test series – by local dignitaries.
The England team enjoyed a reception with Antigua and Barbuda governor general earlier this week when friendly table talk moved to the subject of the three-match series, which begins at North Sound on Monday.
"We had a do with the governor general, Sir Rodney Williams, and they were saying they wanted to beat us 3-0,” Cook said.
“They're here to fight and we've got to expect, as I kept calling it, a war. We know we're in for a hell of a battle."
The home side’s expectations are perhaps not unexpected of a proud cricketing region, but confirmed that England will face a passionate challenge over the next month.
England are favourites to win the series, with West Indies without some key players to Indian Premier League duty, but Cook knows his side will be made to work for any success they achieve.
"Every time you put on the England shirt you are expected to win,” he said.
“That is the English nature, but that won’t change the feelings I get tomorrow morning about being nervous.
“The other guys will be nervous because it’s a big Test series we want to win. The West Indies are going to make it very hard for us.”
The Test will have extra significance for James Anderson , it will be his 100th, and it could be made even more memorable as he needs just four more wickets to pass Sir Ian Botham’s England record of 383 wickets that has stood for 23 years.
"It's an incredible achievement. For anyone to play 100 Test is an incredible achievement, for an opening bowler it's just remarkable the number of miles he's put in his body,” said Cook.
"He's put his body on the line for England. To have played 100 Tests and led the attack the way he has done for the last four of five years is fantastic.
"He's probably the most skilful bowler I've played against or with. As a friend of mine to share the moment with him will make it a special five days.”