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Following the Ashes disaster and sacking of Chris Silverwood, England & Wales Cricket Board (ECB) have announced a slightly new-look squad for the upcoming 3-match Test series against West Indies. The selection panel, consisting of Sir Andrew Strauss (interim managing director of England Men's Cricket), interim head coach Paul Collingwood and head scout James Taylor, notably decided the 16-member team for England's upcoming tour of the Caribbean.

While Joe Root has been retained as the captain of side, as expected, he will be joined by players like Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Chris Woakes as part of leadership group. However, there have been few major exclusions from the side which has left everyone stunned.

The experienced pace-bowling duo of James Anderson and Stuart Broad has been dropped for the side, following their disappointing performances against Australia. While Jos Buttler also misses out due to a possible injury, the following players have also been excluded from the squad: Rory Burns, Haseeb Hameed, Dawid Malan, Sam Billings and Dom Bess.

England Test squad: Joe Root (captain), Jonathan Bairstow, Zak Crawley, Matthew Fisher, Ben Foakes, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Alex Lees, Saqib Mahmood, Craig Overton, Matthew Parkinson, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.

Strauss reveals the reason behind exclusion of Anderson and Broad

Reflecting on the squad, Andrew 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.”

The 44-year-old also opened up on the shocking exclusion of James Anderson and Stuart Broad and shed light on the reason. He explained, "I want to emphasize this does not mean the end for them (Anderson and Broad) 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,” Strauss added.

He concluded by stating that this selection of squad is the start of a process and a journey to get England Test cricket back to where it needs to be, and he admitted that the hard work starts now.

Schedule of WI vs ENG Test series

First Test: March 8-12, Sir Vivian Richards Stadium, North Sound

Second Test: March 16-20, Kensington Oval, Bridgetown

Third Test: March 24-28, National Cricket Stadium, St George’s