Andrew Strauss, interim managing director of England men’s cricket, has stressed that the axing of James Anderson and Stuart Broad from the Test squad to face West Indies “does not mean the end for them as England players”.

The pair are the most high-profile among eight players axed following England’s 4-0 Ashes humiliation in Australia, with pundits and fans united in shock at the decision. Broad is 35 years old, while Anderson is nearing 40, but the two have remained England’s best bowlers and attack leaders as they have aged.

Strauss was among a makeshift selection panel who picked England’s squad to tour West Indies, where England have won just one series in the last 50 years.

According to Strauss, Anderson and Broad could yet come back to the England side following the trip to the Caribbean, with the chance taken to try out some new faces.

“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,” he said. “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.”

He also insisted that it would be up to the new head coach – Paul Collingwood is currently in place as an interim – to decide on their eventual fates. “No one doubts the quality and experience that James and Stuart bring to the England set-up,” he said. “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. This selection of this squad is the start of a process and a journey to get England Test cricket back to where it needs to be, and the hard work starts now.”

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