Jonny Bairstow has replaced Ben Foakes as England’s Test wicketkeeper for the one-off match against Ireland next month. James Anderson, who suffered a minor groin complaint while playing for Lancashire last week, is also included in the 15-man squad.
Jofra Archer, who recently returned from the IPL to evaluate elbow pain, was not considered after a stress fracture recurred and ruled him out for the summer.
Bairstow has not played international cricket since September when he fractured his tibia in a bizarre golfing accident. He missed the entirety of England’s winter schedule and only recently returned to action in the County Championship for Yorkshire, but is now expected to wear the gloves during the June 16 Ashes.
Ben Foakes benched, Jonny Bairstow reinstated for Ireland test
Rob Key, England’s managing director of men’s cricket, described omitting Foakes as a “seriously tough decision” after the Surrey wicketkeeper had established himself as the team’s first-choice keeper under Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes during a run of 10 wins in 12 Tests.
Since the conclusion of the 2019 Ashes, Bairstow has not been the regular wicketkeeper. His last Test appearance was in 2021, when he filled in for Jos Buttler, and he has not been the regular gloveman since then.
Key stated, “We are looking forward to the upcoming summer and getting back into the swing of things, beginning with a good test against Ireland.” “It was an extremely difficult decision to leave Ben Foakes off the team. Jonny Bairstow is one of the greatest players in the world, and his performances last summer exemplified what we’re all about.
Anderson was one of six quick bowlers and Jack Leach the spinner, as predicted. After resting for the New Zealand series, Chris Woakes and Mark Wood return.
If Anderson is out, Matt Potts might join Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson.
Ben Stokes, England’s captain, is expected back next week after the group stage to face Ireland, while Joe Root, whose Rajasthan Royals team could still reach the knockouts, and Harry Brook, recently dropped by Sunrisers Hyderabad, are both set to play at Lord’s.
Zak Crawley, who started the summer with 350 runs in nine innings for Kent, stays the opener, while Essex’s Dan Lawrence retains the spare batter.
England men’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