Recent changes to the squad are aimed at regaining the Ashes

Ben Stokes, the captain of the England Test team, has emphasised that recent changes to the squad are aimed at regaining the Ashes in Australia. Ahead of their home summer series against West Indies, England has introduced new players like wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, pace bowler Gus Atkinson, and spinner Shoaib Bashir, opting for them over established players like Jack Leach. Notably, the upcoming Test at Lord’s marks the final international match for James Anderson, England's highest-ever wicket-taker.

Stokes highlighted that these decisions were made with the upcoming Ashes series in mind, expressing the team's determination to reclaim the historic urn. England's last Ashes campaign resulted in a 2-2 draw on home soil, with Australia retaining the Ashes they have held since 2018. The anticipation and preparation for the 2025-26 Ashes series are intensified by ongoing discussions and documentaries focusing on both teams' recent performances and strategies.

Teams for first England v West Indies Test

England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, James Anderson.

West Indies XI: Kraigg Brathwaite (c), Mikyle Louis, Kirk McKenzie, Alick Athanaze, Kavem Hodge, Jason Holder, Joshua da Silva (wk), Gudakesh Motie, Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Jayden Seales.