BEN STOKES fired the starting gun on the Ashes countdown, admitting the first step to beating Australia was ruthless selection.
At face value, today's first Test against West Indies at Lord's will be Jimmy Anderson's testimonial, after England's three wise men decided it was time to put their record-breaking opening bowler out to pasture.
But it also marks a changing of the guard behind the stumps, with Surrey's 23-year-old Jamie Smith, who does not even keep wicket for his county, taking over from Jonny Bairstow, who was axed after winning his 100th cap in India last winter.
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Denne historien er fra July 10, 2024-utgaven av Daily Express.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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HOT TO THE TUCH
Thomas has so much talent at his disposal
Southgate showed me how to be smiles better
LAUGHS AND INSIDE JOKES BRING CUP TEAM TOGETHER
Buttler calling for the big two
ONE-DAY HOPES FOR STOKES AND ROOT
Aaron's determined to turn jeers into cheers
AARON WAINWRIGHT fully understands fed-up Wales fans have started voicing their grievances at the long and sorry plight of their side.
SKELTON HAS GREY-T EXPECTATIONS
DAN SKELTON has claimed Betfair Chase favourite Grey Dawning is \"as good as any staying chaser we've had at this stage of their life\".
Billionaire family fight for £21m Idol's Eye gem
A £21MILLION diamond known as the Idol's Eye is being fought over in London by Qatari royals.
Oakes brings fight for trees to No 10
ACTOR David Oakes joins campaigners in Downing Street to deliver a 100,000-name petition calling for historic trees to be protected by law.
Non, je ne regrette rien composer dies aged 95
THE French composer behind Edith Piaf's biggest hit died yesterday at the age of 95.
Davina out of intensive care after brain surgery
TV host Davina McCall has made an \"enormous leap forward\" in treatment for a brain tumour, her partner revealed yesterday.
Owner admits killer XL bully was out of control
A MAN whose XL bully mauled his neighbour to death yesterday pleaded guilty to owning an out-of-control dog.
