The veteran England pacer, James Anderson is set to retire from the game after the first Test match at Lord’s against West Indies, starting July 10.
However, he will remain with the team for the rest of the Test series, as he will transition in the team from a player to a mentorship role. He will be handed responsibilities as the side’s fast bowling mentor, from the second Test against West Indies onwards.
The English pacer has a stellar record of picking up 700 wickets in 187 Test matches so far.
In this article, The Sporting News takes a look at the England’s bowling attack and how they will line up following the star pacer’s retirement.
BET NOW: Exclusive sign-up offers and bonuses when you bet on Test cricket action
What is England’s squad for the Test series against West Indies?
England led by captain Ben Stokes had announced their squad for the first two Tests against West Indies.
ENG squad for the first two Tests vs WI:
Ben Stokes (captain), James Anderson (only first Test), Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Dillon Pennington, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Chris Woakes.
How will England line up in Tests without James Anderson?
England’s 14-man squad for the first two Tests against West Indies features fast bowlers Dillon Pennington, Matthew Potts, Chris Woakes, Gus Atkinson and Anderson (only for first Test) himself.
Ben Stokes can be considered as another handy pacer in the team, however, his role as a bowler might be limited due to recurring injuries.
Spinners in the team include Shoaib Bashir and part-timers Joe Root, Harry Brook and Dan Lawrence.
MORE: Anderson vs Steyn: Who is a better swing bowler in Test cricket?
In the absence of Anderson for the second Test, England has four main seamers in Pennington, Atkinson, Potts and the experienced Woakes.
Pennington received his maiden call up to the national team, after impressive performances during the ongoing County Championship season for Nottinghamshire, where he picked up 31 wickets in 11 innings at an average of 23.80. He is likely to compete with Atkinson for their Test debuts.
Matthew Potts and Chris Woakes will be tasked with leading the attack in the absence of Anderson.
England’s predicted XI for the second Test vs West Indies
Surrey’s wicketkeeper-batsman Jamie Smith was called on to the squad for the first time alongside Nottinghamshire’s Dillon Pennington. In the absence of Jonny Bairstow, he will be the first-choice keeper for England.
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Ben Stokes (C), Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (WK), Chris Woakes, Matthew Potts, Gus Atkinson