England will hand debuts to Surrey duo Gus Atkinson and Jamie Smith in the first Test against West Indies at Lord’s, starting Wednesday.
Chris Woakes returns to the XI, marking his first Test appearance since being named player of the series in last summer’s Ashes. Offspinner Shoaib Bashir, after three Tests in India earlier this year, will make his home debut.
Atkinson, with 12 appearances in England’s white-ball cricket, was not utilized during the India tour but has been identified as a promising pace option, consistently bowling in the late 80s to early 90s mph. He earned selection for the ODI World Cup last year and has taken 14 County Championship wickets for Surrey this season at an average of 29.78.
Smith, who will take over wicketkeeping duties from Ben Foakes and Jonny Bairstow, has been in excellent form across formats. He earned his maiden Test call-up after scoring his second first-class century of the season and is currently Surrey’s top scorer in the Championship with 677 runs at an average of 56.41.
Ben Stokes will bat at No. 6, with Harry Brook returning to No. 5. Stokes resumes his all-rounder role, allowing the inclusion of Bashir, who impressed with 17 wickets in India. Despite Bashir’s loan move to Worcestershire for first-team opportunities, he was preferred over Jack Leach as the spinner in the squad.
Chris Woakes, known for his batting prowess, adds balance to the team and is expected to play a pivotal role during England’s transitional phase with James Anderson’s impending retirement.
