Big Names Go Missing As England Announce 14-Member Squad For First Two Tests Against West Indies

ENG vs WI Test Series: After the culmination of the T20 World Cup, it is time for Test cricket to take enthrall cricket fans. When fans talk about Test cricket, there is nothing better than 'Bazball'. England are a dominant force in Test cricket and they have entirely revamped how the longest format of the game is meant to be played. England, under Ben Stokes and Baz McCullum have found a lot of success at home, but earlier this year when they toured India, their gameplan backfired.

England vs West Indies Test Series Schedule

• July 10-14, 1st Test: Lord's
• July 18-22, 2nd Test: Nottingham
• July 26-30, 3rd Test: Birmingham

England's Test Squad To Face West Indies

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The 'Three Lions' named a strong 14-member squad for the first two Tests against West Indies and are to be led by ben Stokes. This series also marks James Anderson's last dance which will be the first Test match at the historic and iconic Lord's stadium. Anderson is likely to remain in the squad even after retiring, but as the bowling mentor of the Test side. England have also handed over maiden  Test call-ups to Seamer Dillon Pennington and wicket-keeper batter Jamie Smith. Both the players impressed the national selectors with their gritty performances for their counties Nottinghamshire and Surrey.

Much to everybody's surprise, the English selectors have let go off Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes. Jamie Smith is likely to make his debut for England as he seems to be the frontline wicketkeeper in the squad. Pope can be an alternative to keep wickets for England, but he last played as a wicketkeeper in 2022. The ruthless English side have kept their pace department pretty intact with Pennington, Matthew Potts, Gus Atkinson and Chris Woakes. The English pacers will have to rise up to the occasion and fill the void that will be left by their stalwart James Anderson once he retires after the first Test match.

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Squad: Ben Stokes (c), James Anderson, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Dillon Pennington, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes.