England has recalled Chris Woakes and drafted in uncapped duo Dillon Pennington and Jamie Smith for the first two home tests against West Indies, scheduled for next month. Pennington, a Nottinghamshire seamer, and Smith, a Surrey batter, will join the squad alongside another uncapped player, Surrey bowler Gus Atkinson, who was part of the squad that toured India earlier this year. Woakes’ return to the test squad marks his first appearance since July 2023, and coincides with the farewell series of England pace great James Anderson. Anderson, the most successful fast bowler in test cricket history, will retire after the first test at Lord’s, which begins on July 10th.
“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,” said Rob Key, Managing Director for England men’s cricket, in a statement. “He has given everything to the sport since his test debut in 2003. We all would 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.”
The second test is scheduled at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, while the series will conclude with the third match at Edgbaston, Birmingham.
