England have recalled wicketkeeper Ben Foakes for the first Test against South Africa at Lord’s starting on Wednesday.

Foakes is the only change from the team that defeated India in the postponed fifth Test at Edgbaston last month after missing the match following a case of Covid-19.

That victory was England’s fourth win in as many Tests under their new leadership pair of captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum.

Foakes reclaims the gloves from Sam Billings.

There is no place for Ollie Robinson, with the seamer unable to force his way into the side, which boasts a pace attack of James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Matthew Potts, supplemented by all-rounder Stokes.

Robinson has not played for England since the final Test of the Ashes series in January.

His career has been blighted by fitness issues but he was impressive during the second-string England Lions’ win over South Africa in Canterbury last week.

There was also no room in the side for in-form batsman Harry Brook or pace bowler Craig Overton.

England – Zak Crawley, Alex Lees, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes (wk), Matthew Potts, Stuart Broad, Jack Leach, James Anderson.

© Agence France-Presse