England’s red-ball cricket team has made a dramatic change, dropping senior wicketkeepers Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes from their list for the forthcoming Test series against the West Indies on Sunday, June 30.
England named a 14-man team for two Tests against for ENG vs WI Test Series, giving debuts to uncapped Jamie Smith and Dillon Pennington.
Smith, a 23-year-old wicketkeeper, expected to be England’s first-choice wicketkeeper in Tests, ahead of Bairstow and Foakes, who battled for runs against India in their previous tour earlier this year.
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Test regulars Jack Leach, Ollie Robinson, and Mark Wood were also left out of Ben Stokes’ new-look squad. England will host the Caribbean team for two Tests, beginning on July 10 at Lord’s.
James Anderson, a famous bowler, will retire after the Lord’s Test and is scheduled to be replaced by rookie Dillon Pennington for the following match at Trent Bridge on July 18.
“The first Test of summer time is always a special moment, but it will be even more emotional because it is Jimmy’s final Test before retiring,” England men’s managing director Rob Key stated.”
He has dedicated himself fully to the sport since his Test debut in 2003.. We all wish Harry luck as he steps out at Lord’s for the final time for England.
“We are looking forward to starting the season underway against a strong Caribbean side in what will be a great Test series.”
Jonny Bairstow and Mark Wood were both in England’s team for the recent T20 World Cup 2024 in the United States and the West Indies, when Jos Buttler’s side lost badly to ultimate winners India in the second semi-final.
ENG vs WI: England Test Squad Against West Indies
Ben Stokes (c), Joe Root, James Anderson, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Dillon Pennington, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes.
