England drop Bairstow for first two Tests against the West Indies

England left out Jonny Bairstow from their squad announced Sunday for the first two Tests of next month's three-match series against the West Indies, with wicketkeeping duties set to be taken over

Jonny Bairstow (Image Source: Google)

'Extra poignant' -

Anderson's 700 Test wickets are the most taken by any paceman in Test history, while his 187 are the most by an England player.

"The first Test of the summer is always a special moment, but it will be extra poignant with it being Jimmy’s (Anderson) last Test before he retires," said England managing director Rob Key in a statement issued Sunday.

"He has given everything to the sport since his Test debut in 2003. We all would like to wish him well as he walks out at Lord's for the last time for England," added former England batsman Key, who is due to hold a press conference on Monday.

Bashir, 20, was fast-tracked into the England squad in India and responded with 17 wickets in three Tests.

But having gone on loan to Worcestershire after failing to displace Leach in the Somerset side, he has now knocked his erstwhile team-mate out of the Test squad.