England announce squad for the first Test against West Indies

It was not a tough decision for the selectors when they were naming the team for the Tests against West Indies. Keaton Jennings had to take the axe following his dispensable form in the recently concluded series against South Africa. The left-handed opener did not muster enough runs alongside the former skipper Alastair Cook to keep his place in the team.

The only change in the team is Mark Stoneman replacing the southpaw at the top of the order. The 30-year-old batsman is all set to make his debut after the selectors announced the 13-man squad for the tour, starting at Edgbaston on Thursday. Apart from that, the team is pretty much the same that played beat the Proteas 3-1.

Chris Woakes and Mason Crane misses out narrowly:

Warwickshire’s all-rounder and one of England’s important pillars Chris Woakes was declared fit for the Test series that begins tomorrow. The all-rounder missed his place in the squad by a narrow margin, following a recovery from his side strain. There was also no place for the emerging leggie Mason Crane, who has proved his worth during his stint with Hampshire.

While the in-form all-rounder Toby Roland-Jones retained his place following his exploit ahead of Woakes, Stoneman would be the 12th man to partner the former skipper at the top of the order since Andrew Strauss called it quit several years ago.

”Chris Woakes and Mason Crane are the two guys who will miss out. I think it’s a great opportunity for the rest of the guys to experience a pink ball Test match for the first time and we’re really excited,” Root told Sky Sports at Edgbaston on Wednesday.

Woakes’ fitness woes

He however, added that he feels Woakes needs more time on the field in order to regain full-fitness before featuring in the Test squad. The English skipper also added that it would be hard to drop Toby following his amazing display against South Africa in the recently concluded Test series.

While talking about Stoneman, Root added, “He’s obviously got a huge amount of runs under his belt, this season in particular, and in previous seasons as well. He’s got a well-rounded game, he’s a bit more experienced having played a lot of county cricket and I’m excited to see him hopefully take his opportunity.”

England squad: Alastair Cook, Mark Stoneman, Tom Westley, Joe Root (c), Dawid Malan, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Moeen Ali, Toby Roland-Jones, Stuart Broad, James Anderson