Jonny Bairstow again, Ben Foakes dropped for Ireland Test
Jonny Bairstow has been recalled as England’s Test wicketkeeper on the expense of Ben Foakes for subsequent month’s one-off Test in opposition to Ireland. James Anderson can also be included within the 15-man squad, regardless of struggling a minor groin pressure whereas enjoying for Lancashire final week.
Jofra Archer, who not too long ago returned from the IPL to evaluate discomfort in his elbow, was not thought-about after the recurrence of a stress fracture that has dominated him out for the summer time.
Bairstow final performed worldwide cricket in September, earlier than struggling a fractured leg in a freak accident whereas enjoying golf. He missed all of England’s winter programme and solely not too long ago returned to motion within the County Championship for Yorkshire however now seems set to take the gloves through the Ashes, which begins on June 16.
Rob Key, England managing director of males’s cricket, stated leaving out Foakes was “a seriously tough decision”, after the Surrey keeper had established himself as first-choice beneath Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes, through the workforce’s run of 10 wins in 12 Tests. Bairstow final stored in a Test in 2021, standing in for Jos Buttler, and has not been the common gloveman because the finish of the 2019 Ashes.
“We are looking forward to the summer ahead and getting into the swing of things, starting with a good Test against Ireland,” Key stated. “It was a seriously tough decision to leave Ben Foakes out of the squad. He has been excellent for England in the last year, but Jonny Bairstow is one of the best players in the world whose performances last summer epitomised what we are about.”
“I would like to wish the players every success, especially those returning after some time away.”
The remainder of the squad was largely as anticipated, with Anderson named amongst six fast-bowling choices alongside the spinner, Jack Leach. Chris Woakes, whose final Test got here on the tour to the West Indies in 2022, returns, as does Mark Wood after he was rested for the New Zealand collection earlier this yr.
Matt Potts can also be in competition for a spot alongside the frontline pair of Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson if Anderson is just not match.
Among these Test gamers concerned on the IPL, Ben Stokes, England’s captain, had beforehand indicated he would return in time to face Ireland – he is expected back next week after the conclusion of the group stage – whereas Joe Root, whose Rajasthan Royals workforce might nonetheless attain the knockouts, and Harry Brook, not too long ago dropped by Sunrisers Hyderabad, are each set to play at Lord’s.
Zak Crawley’s place at opener stays safe, after he started the summer time with 350 runs in 9 innings for Kent, whereas Essex’s Dan Lawrence continues because the spare batter within the group.
England males’s Test Squad: Ben Stokes (capt), James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood