The England selectors on Tuesday (February 8) announced a 16-member squad for the upcoming three-Test series against West Indies, which had a number of changes but nothing bigger than the omission of pace greats – James Anderson and Stuart Broad.
A total of eight players who featured in the recently held Ashes series have been dropped from the squad for the West Indies tour, starting March 8.
There is no place in the squad for Dawid Malan, Dom Bess, Sam Billings, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Haseeb Hameed and they were all part of the 4-0 hammering in the Ashes 2021-22 Down Under.
On the other hand, Durham opener Alex Lees and Yorkshire fast bowler Matthew Fisher have received their maiden call-ups while the uncapped Lancashire duo of Saqib Mahmood and Matt Parkinson are also included. Ben Foakes has also received a recall and he will be the first choice wicket-keeper.
Commenting on the selection, Andrew Strauss, the ECB's interim director of cricket, said that the panel wanted to “refresh” the Test squad after the Ashes humiliation, adding that the omission of Anderson and Broad doesn't mean “the end for them."
"With the start of a new cycle, it has allowed the selection panel to refresh the Test squad with a particular focus on competing away from home. We felt that it was time to draw a line after the Ashes defeat, look forward and give some impetus with an influx of new players," said Strauss in a statement.
"In respect of James Anderson and Stuart Broad, I want to emphasise this does not mean the end for them as England players. We feel that it is important to look at some exciting new bowling potential and give some added responsibility to other players who have featured previously. No one doubts the quality and experience that James and Stuart bring to the England set-up. It will be up to the new managing director and permanent head coach to decide on whether they will be involved this summer and beyond."
"This selection of this squad is the start of a process and a journey to get England Test cricket back to where it needs to be, and the hard work starts now."
The three-match Test series forms part of the ICC World Test Championship. Joe Root's team will be looking to climb the rankings after a disappointing start to the second WTC cycle.
