This Wednesday, the ECB shortlisted 30 players to train for the West Indies Test series, which kicks off on July 8. The group will be sequestered at the Ageas Bowl, where they will reside and train in private until the series begins.
The final squad for the first Test will be selected following a three-day practice game on July 1, allowing selectors to gauge current form. National Selector Ed Smith shared his enthusiasm for cricket's comeback, highlighting that eight uncapped players have been given a chance in this training group.
The ECB also detailed the coaching setup for the tour, incorporating three coaches from the county circuit instead of the standard support staff. Chris Silverwood retains his role as head coach, working alongside bowling coach Glen Chapple and spin specialist Richard Dawson. Graham Thorpe will lead the batting drills with assistance from Mathew Walker, while Carl Hopkinson will oversee fielding.
The full list of players includes: Jos Buttler, Stuart Broad, Joe Root, Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jofra Archer, Jonathan Bairstow, Ben Stokes, Dominic Bess, Mark Wood, James Bracey, Rory Burns, Zak Crawley, Sam Curran, Chris Woakes, Joe Denly, Ben Foakes, Lewis Gregory, Keaton Jennings, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Saqib Mahmood, Craig Overton, Jamie Overton, Matthew Parkinson, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Dom Sibley, Olly Stone, and Amar Virdi.