Anderson and Broad axed from England squad for West Indies Test series

England have named their squad for next month’s three-Test series against the West Indies, with their two most prolific bowlers of all time left out.

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Root accepts England need wholesale changes after Ashes defeat

England’s two leading wicket-takers of all time, James Anderson and Stuart Broad, have been sensationally left out of the squad for the three-Test tour to the West Indies.

The duo, who have 1,177 wickets between them in the longest format, will not travel to the Caribbean as England go in search of alternatives for challenges away from home.

It represents a huge decision by a selection committee including skipper Joe Root and interim head coach Paul Collingwood who have left out eight players from the recent tour of Australia.

But Sir Andrew Strauss, who was also involved in the decision has promised that this is not necessarily the end of their international careers.

That will be up to the new permanent head coach and managing director of cricket when they are installed.

Strauss said: “With the start of a new cycle, it has allowed the selection panel to refresh the Test squad with a particular focus on competing away from home.

“We felt that it was time to draw a line after the Ashes defeat, look forward and give some impetus with an influx of new players.

“In respect of James Anderson and Stuart Broad, I want to emphasise this does not mean the end for them as England players.

“We feel that it is important to look at some exciting new bowling potential and give some added responsibility to other players who have featured previously.

“No one doubts the quality and experience that James and Stuart bring to the England set-up. It will be up to the new managing director and permanent head coach to decide on whether they will be involved this summer and beyond.”

The shift in comes after the humiliating 4-0 defeat by Australia in the Ashes and six other players involved Down Under now find themselves on the outside.

England have already made wholesale changes to their backroom staff, with managing director of men’s cricket Ashley Giles, head coach Chris Silverwood and assistant coach Graham Thorpe all losing their jobs following the Ashes.

Now the likes of Jos Buttler, Dawid Malan, and Rory Burns are also on the outside looking in on Test cricket.

ENGLAND SQUAD FOR WEST INDIES TOUR: Joe Root (c), Jonny Bairstow, Zak Crawley, Matthew Fisher, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Alex Lees, Saqib Mahmood, Craig Overton, Matt Parkinson, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood