On the eve of the first Test between England and South Africa, it has been confirmed that the England skipper Joe Root, who will stand in his first match as skipper, will bat at number four. This means that Gary Ballance will bat at number three on his return to international cricket. Keaton Jennings has already been announced as the sole opener along with Alastair Cook. Jonny Bairstow will come it at five followed by Ben Stokes and Moeen Ali.

The only man to miss out a place in the side is Toby Roland-Jones, who made his ODI debut in the last ODI against South Africa at Lord’s. It’s a bit ironical that England is playing the same country at the same ground but Jones will warm the bench on this occasion. His exclusion means Stuart Broad has attained full fitness and will roar in the opening Test of the series. (Read Here: Vernon Philander Fit For Lord’s Test)

Moeen Ali and Liam Dawson – who made his Test debut against India in Chennai – are the two spinners in the side.

This will be the first Test for Joe Root as the skipper of the Test side. Though he was already announced as the Test skipper a long back but had to wait for few months to lead the team in the longest format of the game. He is suffering from cold ahead of his captaincy debut and it will be a bit of shaky start for him as the skipper. (Read Here: Faf du Plessis To Miss Lord’s Test)

England playing XI for Lord’s Test: Keaton Jennings, Alastair Cook, Garry Ballance, Joe Root (Capt.), Jonny Bairstow, Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, Mark Wood, Liam Dawson, James Anderson, Stuart Broad.

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