Nottinghamshire fast bowler Dillon Pennington and Surrey wicketkeeper Jamie Smith have received their first Test call-ups as part of England’s squad to face the West Indies next month. This selection marks a significant moment in their careers as they join an evolving England team under the leadership of Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum.
Joining the squad is uncapped Surrey fast bowler Gus Atkinson, who was part of the Test tour of India earlier this year but did not play. Shoaib Bashir has been chosen as England’s spinner, surpassing his Somerset teammate Jack Leach. Additionally, all-rounder Chris Woakes returns to the Test squad for the first time since last summer’s Ashes.
The first Test is scheduled to begin on July 10 at Lord’s and will mark the final international appearance for veteran fast bowler James Anderson. Anderson’s departure will usher in a new era for the England team. The squad, minus Anderson, will also be in action for the second Test at Trent Bridge from July 18 and the third Test at Edgbaston starting on July 26.
England Squad for First Two Tests:
– Ben Stokes (Durham, captain)
– James Anderson (Lancashire – first Test only)
– Gus Atkinson (Surrey)
– Shoaib Bashir (Somerset)
– Harry Brook (Yorkshire)
– Zak Crawley (Kent)
– Ben Duckett (Nottinghamshire)
– Dan Lawrence (Surrey)
– Dillon Pennington (Nottinghamshire)
– Ollie Pope (Surrey)
– Matthew Potts (Durham)
– Joe Root (Yorkshire)
– Jamie Smith (Surrey, wicketkeeper)
– Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)
Notable Selections and Omissions
Durham’s Matthew Potts has been included as another pace option, while Sussex seamer Ollie Robinson and Mark Wood have been left out. Wood has been part of England’s T20 World Cup squad in the Caribbean.
In a notable move, Ben Foakes and Jonny Bairstow have been overlooked in favor of 23-year-old Jamie Smith, who has impressed with his performances in the County Championship. Smith has scored 507 runs at an average of 50.70 this season, though he has kept wicket in only two matches, with Surrey preferring Foakes behind the stumps.
Dillon Pennington, 25, has made a strong impression since moving to Nottinghamshire from Worcestershire, taking 29 wickets in seven matches this season. Shoaib Bashir’s selection over Jack Leach indicates his rising status in the England setup, following a successful stint in India where he took 17 wickets in three matches.
Upcoming Fixtures
– 1st Test:** July 10-14 at Lord’s (11:00 BST)
– 2nd Test:** July 18-22 at Trent Bridge (11:00 BST)
– 3rd Test:** July 26-30 at Edgbaston (11:00 BST)
Analysis: A Fresh Start for England
Chief cricket writer Stephan Shemilt views this squad announcement as a new chapter in the Ben Stokes-Brendon McCullum era. The removal of seasoned players like Bairstow, Foakes, and Leach signals a decisive shift towards a fresher, more dynamic squad. The selection of Smith and Bashir over more established names underscores England’s commitment to innovation and building for the future.
As England prepares for the Ashes down under in 2025-26, the current squad selections reflect a strategy aimed at long-term success. The inclusion of promising talents like Smith and Pennington highlights England’s readiness to invest in the next generation of cricketing stars.
With the upcoming series against the West Indies, fans can look forward to seeing how these new additions perform on the international stage and contribute to England’s evolving cricketing journey.
