Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes have been omitted from England’s squad for the series against West Indies this summer, meaning Jamie Smith will keep wicket.
The first Test against the West Indies will be James Anderson’s final appearance for the national side as the England leadership look to the future without the 41-year-old seamer.
While Anderson remains one of England’s best bowlers, next summer will see England take on India at home, and then the team will tour Australia for the Ashes the following winter.
The Test on July 10 at Lord’s will see plenty of attention on Anderson, while Surrey’s wicket-keeper Smith will be looking to impress.
He has averaged more than 50 for his county so far this summer, and will be joined by fellow potential debutants, Surrey team-mate Gus Atkinson and Nottinghamshire bowler Dillon Pennington.
England’s managing director, Rob Key said: “The first Test of the summer is always a special moment, but it will be extra poignant with it being Jimmy’s last Test before he retires.
“He has given everything to the sport since his Test debut in 2003. We would all like to wish him well as he walks out at Lord’s for the last time for England.
“We are looking forward to getting the season underway against a strong West Indies side in what will be an excellent Test series.”
England captain Ben Stokes gave an update on his fitness, after he struggled with bowling duties of late.
“The recovery is going really good,” he said. “I’m desperate to get back into it now. I’m buzzing to get going and walking back out in an England shirt.”
