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England have not included Ben Foakes in their 15-man squad to face Ireland in a one-off Test match in June.
Jonny Bairstow is expected to keep wicket in his place after proving his fitness in a recent run of games for Yorkshire. He had lit up the last English summer with four Hundreds in six Test matches, but has not played international cricket since August after breaking his leg in a golfing accident.
Jofra Archer, who recently returned home from the IPL after further trouble with his elbow, has been ruled out for the summer.
James Anderson has been named in the squad despite picking up a light groin injury while playing for Lancashire, as has been Mark Wood, who has returned from the IPL for the birth of his daughter.
Durham seamer Matty Potts returns to the squad after being named as one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year following a breakthrough-summer in 2022. Potts, 24, has taken 24 wickets in four County Championship games already this season.
Chris Woakes has also been named in a Test squad for the first time since March 2022, and can be in line for his first home Test match since August 2020.
After effectively completing the role over the winter, Ollie Pope has been confirmed as Ben Stokes’ vice-captain. Dan Lawrence also returns to the squad after an eye-catching hundred against Middlesex last month.
England face Ireland at Lord’s from June 1 for the first clash between the two sides since England’s 143-run win in 2019 at the same venue.
Ireland lost 2-0 in their last Test series against Sri Lanka last month, but they take important strides with the bat, including a 492 in the first innings of the second Test match.
They will be without fast bowler Josh Little, who will remain win the IPL with the Gujarat Titans.
England squad to face Ireland
Ben Stokes (c), Ollie Pope (vc & wk), Jonny Bairstow (wk), James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Matty Potts, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.
