The 28th edition of the Wisden Trophy begins at Southampton’s Ageas Bowl today, bringing with it a reminder that — among Test cricket’s many prizes — only the Ashes has been contested more often.
It is a curious trophy and a fragile one. When I presented it on the Lord’s outfield to Joe Root after England had beaten West Indies in 2017 I suggested he clasp it tightly; if not, it was liable to fall apart. Since early last year, when West Indies took revenge in the Caribbean, that concern has been Jason Holder’s.