<p>West Indies great Brian Lara says the Caribbean side must try and beat "overwhelming favourites" England in four days because their batting is not strong enough to last five days.</p>.<p>The three-Test series, which marks the return of international cricket after the coronavirus shutdown, starts on Wednesday in Southampton behind closed doors.</p>.<p>Jason Holder's tourists boast a powerful pace attack but their batsmen have struggled to post challenging totals in recent years.</p>.<p>"They have to be able to pounce immediately," Lara said in comments on BBC Sport. "England are not beaten very easily at home and are overwhelming favourites."</p>.<p>Lara, who scored a record 11,953 runs for West Indies in 131 Tests, said it was vital the tourists adapted to English conditions quickly.</p>.<p>"They have to hit the road running and stamp their authority on England," said the 51-year-old.</p>.<p>"I don't think they can last five days, so they have to take these games in four days. They have to establish a lead and keep it."</p>.<p>West Indies, who beat England 2-1 in the Caribbean last year, have not won a series in England since 1988.</p>.<p>"It's going to be a series that's watched all around the world and everybody is hoping to see a competitive series," said Lara, who scored 34 Test centuries.</p>.<p>"It would mean a lot to all West Indians if they could win.</p>.<p>"If they play good cricket on the first day of the Test series, show they have the mettle to perform against England, that's the key."</p>.<p>The second and third Tests will be played at Old Trafford, in Manchester, also in bio-secure environments.</p>
<p>West Indies great Brian Lara says the Caribbean side must try and beat "overwhelming favourites" England in four days because their batting is not strong enough to last five days.</p>.<p>The three-Test series, which marks the return of international cricket after the coronavirus shutdown, starts on Wednesday in Southampton behind closed doors.</p>.<p>Jason Holder's tourists boast a powerful pace attack but their batsmen have struggled to post challenging totals in recent years.</p>.<p>"They have to be able to pounce immediately," Lara said in comments on BBC Sport. "England are not beaten very easily at home and are overwhelming favourites."</p>.<p>Lara, who scored a record 11,953 runs for West Indies in 131 Tests, said it was vital the tourists adapted to English conditions quickly.</p>.<p>"They have to hit the road running and stamp their authority on England," said the 51-year-old.</p>.<p>"I don't think they can last five days, so they have to take these games in four days. They have to establish a lead and keep it."</p>.<p>West Indies, who beat England 2-1 in the Caribbean last year, have not won a series in England since 1988.</p>.<p>"It's going to be a series that's watched all around the world and everybody is hoping to see a competitive series," said Lara, who scored 34 Test centuries.</p>.<p>"It would mean a lot to all West Indians if they could win.</p>.<p>"If they play good cricket on the first day of the Test series, show they have the mettle to perform against England, that's the key."</p>.<p>The second and third Tests will be played at Old Trafford, in Manchester, also in bio-secure environments.</p>