England name 12-man squad for the first Test in West Indies

Mar 07, 2022

England name 12-man squad for the first Test in West Indies Image

England named a 12-member squad for the first Test match against West Indies, to be played from 8 March in Antigua. Ollie Robinson, who sustained a back injury during the warm-up game against Cricket West Indies President's XI, has been ruled out. 

Robinson's absence will pave way for Craig Overton, who is expected to lead the fast bowling attack with Chris Woakes and Mark Wood. Saqib Mahmood will have to wait for his Test debut as England are likely to go ahead with Jack Leach. 

'Robinson has had a great start to his Test career so naturally he'll be a big miss,' said Woakes. 'At the same time, it gives people opportunities. This tour is not just solely about opportunities, we're trying to win games of cricket, but at the same time it does give that chance to someone to potentially make their Test debut or who's been waiting in the wings for quite a while, and show that they can do it at this level.'

With Ben Foakes in the XII, Jonny Bairstow is likely to play as a specialist batter. Alex Lees and Zak Crawley will open the innings.

The erstwhile Wisden Trophy has been renamed the Richards-Botham Trophy, in honour of Viv Richards and Ian Botham.

England squad for first Test: Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Zak Crawley, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Alex Lees, Saqib Mahmood, Craig Overton, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood