England Test Squad Overhaul for West Indies Series

England's Test team is undergoing a substantial transformation ahead of the upcoming series against the West Indies, starting July 10 at Lord's. Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes have been dropped in favor of the uncapped wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith, who will make his debut despite not being Surrey's first-choice keeper. This shake-up also includes the selection of uncapped seamers Gus Atkinson and Dillon Pennington, signaling a strategic overhaul aimed at long-term success, particularly with the 2025/26 Ashes in mind. The series will also mark the retirement of England's record wicket-taker James Anderson after the first Test. The changes come in the wake of England's heavy 4-1 defeat in India, which has prompted a reevaluation of the squad by head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes.