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England on Wednesday named a strong XI for the first Test of the highly-anticipated Ashes series against Australia at Edgbaston in Birmingham. Jonny Bairstow returns to the side after a lenghty injury lay-off, while Moeen Ali, who came out of retirement to replace Jack Leach in the squad, is also included in the XI. The hosts have also opted for the experience of Stuart Broad over the pace of Mark Wood in a bold selection call.
We have confirmed our XI to face Australia in the first Test… #Ashes | #EnglandCricket
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 14, 2023
England would look to avenge their 4-0 defeat Down Under last year.
England captain Ben Stokes had mentioned that he wanted to be able to attack at a high speed whenever feasible during the Ashes.
With Jofra Archer and Ollie Stone left out due to injury, and just Mark Wood available as an out-and-out pace-merchant, England has instead gone with their three leading pace-bowling wicket takers from the last ICC World Test Championship Cycle.
Josh Tongue, who took a five-wicket haul on his debut against Ireland last time out, drops out of the XI, as does Matthew Potts.
Anderson, Robinson, and Broad grabbed a combined 147 wickets for England during that cycle, with Broad earning the nod first up due to his outstanding record at home against Australia, where he has taken 84 wickets in 20 Tests at an average of 26.19. The attack will be rotated throughout the remainder of the five-test series.
More good news for England’s bowling prospects came on Wednesday morning, when Ben Stokes bowled a fast stint in the nets, allaying some concerns about his fitness ahead of the first day on Friday.
Anderson, Robinson, and Broad grabbed a combined 147 wickets for England during that cycle, with Broad earning the nod first up due to his outstanding record at home against Australia, where he has taken 84 wickets in 20 Tests at an average of 26.19. The attack will be rotated throughout the remainder of the five-test series.
More good news for England’s bowling prospects came on Wednesday morning, when Ben Stokes bowled a fast stint in the nets, allaying some concerns about his fitness ahead of the first day on Friday.
Jonny Bairstow was always expected to keep wicket having been picked ahead of Ben Foakes for the squad.
England XI: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jonathan Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson and James Anderson
(With ANI Inputs)
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