Gus Atkinson and Jamie Smith called up as England announces playing XI for the first Test against West Indies

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The England Cricket Board has announced the 11-man squad for the first Test against the West Indies at Lords, starting on July 10. Pacer Gus Atkinson and his Surrey teammate Jamie Smith are set to make their debuts in what will be the farewell match for England legend James Anderson.

‌The England and Wales Cricket Board has unveiled the playing XI for England’s first Test of the summer against the West Indies at Lord’s, through its official website. Last month, the ECB announced a 14-member squad, with Dan Lawrence, Dillon Pennington, and Matthew Potts missing out on the first Test. 

Jamie Smith will make his Test debut as the wicketkeeper, stepping in for Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes. Pacer Gus Atkinson will also debut and will join the seasoned James Anderson, who will be playing his final match at Lord’s.

Somerset off-spinner Shoaib Bashir is set to play his first Test match on home soil, following his debut in India earlier this year.

The match will also mark the return of Chris Woakes, who took a break from cricket after his stellar performance in the Ashes last summer and dealing with the passing of his father.

The English summer of cricket will start at Lord’s before moving on to Nottingham and Birmingham for the remaining two Tests against the West Indies.

England’s playing XI for the first Test vs West Indies: Zak Crawley,  Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root,  Harry Brook,  Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir,  James Anderson

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