Matt Fisher has admitted his "disappointment" at the axing of James Anderson and Stuart Broad, following his maiden call-up to England 's Test squad.

Anderson and Broad have both been dropped for England's upcoming tour of the West Indies, along with Jos Buttler, Dawid Malan, Rory Burns, Haseeb Hameed, Dom Bess and Sam Billings.

Five new players have been added to the squad, with wicketkeeper Ben Foakes getting recalled and Fisher, Alex Lees, Saqib Mahmood and Matt Parkinson all hoping to make their Test debuts.

Fisher has been rewarded with his call-up after taking 20 wickets at an average of 19.65 in last year's County Championship and impressing for the England Lions in Australia this winter.

Alongside Mahmood, he now faces the prospect of trying to fill the void left by Anderson and Broad.

James Anderson and Stuart Broad have been axed by England for their three-Test series against the West Indies (
Image:
Philip Brown/Popperfoto/Popperfoto via Getty Images)

"It is a bit surreal," Fisher told the Daily Mail. "There is obviously a bit of extra pressure but I am trying not to put that on myself.

"For me, the disappointment is not being able to tour with them so I can chat to them about their experience. But I got time to speak to them on the Lions tour and they were really good with me.

"Since I first fell in love with cricket, they’ve been in the England team and have been incredible. They are massive role models and players you inspire to be half as good as.

"I’ve definitely modelled how I bowl on Jimmy. Even in games, sometimes if I am falling away, I try and think of Anderson’s action, just to get more side-on."

Matt Fisher, who has been given his maiden England call-up, has admitted his "disappointment" at Anderson and Broad's absences (
Image:
Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Recalling the moment he found out he had been selected, Fisher said: "I was sat on the sofa and my phone flashed up, 'Paul Collingwood WhatsApp Audio'.

"For some reason, I stood up. It seemed too relaxed to just take the call on the sofa! Colly just said 'Congratulations' and I was buzzing. I wanted to get off the phone and tell everyone. We have a family WhatsApp group and I immediately did a group call. They all went nuts!"

Read More

Read More