England v West Indies: The beginning of a new Test era

Following England’s disappointing T20 World Cup semi-final exit at the hands of India, attention now turns back to red-ball cricket.

Brendon McCullum’s side take on the West Indies in a three-match Test series, starting at Lord’s on Wednesday 10th July.

Out with the old, in with the new

Following a dismal 3-1 series defeat in India earlier this year, Rob Key and McCullum have rung the changes in order to freshen things up a bit. But in a squad packed with youth, there’s still room for a legend to bow out.

James Anderson is set for one last dance in an England shirt as he prepares to say goodbye following the first Test. The 41-year-old has taken a record 700 wickets for his country and he’ll be hoping to end his international career with a couple more.

One long-term teammate that won’t be part of Anderson’s goodbye party is Jonny Bairstow. The much-maligned wicket keeper received plenty of criticism during the Ashes last summer following a string of sloppy performances.

The Yorkshire stalwart has been left out of the squad, as has Ben Foakes, who has often been mooted as his replacement. Instead, England have taken a left-field approach and have handed a call-up to uncapped Surrey wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.

Seamer Dillon Pennington has also earned a first call-up, while Gus Atkinson is hoping for a first cap after not playing on the tour of India. Chris Woakes returns to the squad for the first time since the Ashes while Shoaib Bashir has been selected as England’s first-choice spinner.

The squad has been chosen for the first two Tests (minus Anderson), with potential changes taking place ahead of the third Test at Edgbaston.

England squad

Ben Stokes, James Anderson, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Dillon Pennington, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes.

Can the West Indies win?

The West Indies are looking to retain the Richards-Botham trophy after beating England on home soil the last time the two sides met in this format. Back in 2022, the West Indies won the third and final Test to take the series following draws in the first two matches.

The long-standing rivalry between the two sides dates all the way back to 1928 when the West Indies first toured England. And while they’ll be hoping they can spring a surprise, they’ll miss the bowling of Kemar Roach. The 35-year-old is experienced in the English conditions having spent the last three years at Surrey. But Roach misses out with injury and has been replaced by Jeremiah Louis.

Yet West Indies captain Kraigg Brathwaite will be confident that his side can compete and he’ll be hoping to repeat his marathon effort from two years ago. The former Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire and Warwickshire batsman was heavily involved in the second Test last time out.

Brathwaite spent more than 15 hours at the crease, scoring 160 in the first innings, his 10th Test match century, before recording an unbeaten 56 to win his side the match.

Hospitality at Lord’s

As the home of cricket, Lord’s is one of our most popular venues and, as usual, we offer a range of exclusive hospitality packages, meaning you can enjoy the cricket in style.

ICON facility

Situated right next to the warm-up nets, our ICON facility gives you front row seats to the best players in the world as they get ready for action. You’ll then be able to take your seats in the grandstand to ensure you don’t miss a ball.

Enjoy a three-course lunch, afternoon tea and complimentary bar, with visits from cricket legends to keep you entertained throughout the day.

ICON Premium

Upgrade your day at the cricket by going premium. As well as the same food and drinks packages as the ICON facility, alongside visits from legends of the game, you’ll have seats in the Compton Stand Balcony. Plus, you’ll also have access to the legendary Old Clock Tower Bar.

Private box

Enjoy an exclusive facility to yourself with a private box at Lord’s. You’ll have space to entertain up to 18 guests, offering them unrivalled views of the match.

Get set for a premium drinks reception and complimentary bar, as well as a light breakfast, grazing lunch menu and afternoon tea. If that’s not enough, you’ll also have access to the Engage concierge service, offering help with anything you may need.

Fancy joining us for the first Test? Enquire today to book your place.

When are England playing next?

Following the first Test at Lord’s, England then take on the West Indies at Trent Bridge and Edgbaston. McCullum’s side will then face Sri Lanka across three Tests later in the summer.

England v West Indies – 18th – 22nd July, Trent Bridge

England v West Indies – 26th – 30th July, Edgbaston

England v Sri Lanka – 21st – 25th August, Old Trafford

England v Sri Lanka – 29th August – 2nd September, Lord’s

England v Sri Lanka – 6th – 10th September, The Oval

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