On the eve of the first Ashes Test, England skipper Joe Root had revealed the Three Lions’ playing XI for the Ashes 2019 opener. The Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham will host the game between hosts England and Australia on August 1st (Thursday).
However, the part of World Cup-winning player Jofra Archer has missed out to partake in the final XI.
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Interestingly, the veteran fast bowler James Anderson had cleared the fitness test to make it to the Edgbaston Test. Anderson had already missed the One-off Test against Ireland at Lord’s. Anderson suffered a calf injury during the county leg for Lancashire.
On the other hand, a Test match old Jason Roy will open the innings with Rory Burns. Also, Joe Denly is yet to prove his credentials in the traditional format of the game. It will be interestingly to see how hosts top-order batsman would go against Australian speedsters.
Joe Root shoulders responsibility for the bigger Test:
Meanwhile, Root will bat at No. 3 to provide stability in the batting order.
Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler are back into the playing XI after resting for the Ireland Test. The duo had played a major role for England at the ICC World Cup 2019.
Furthermore, Jonny Bairstow will don gloves for England, who has also received backing from AB de Villiers. The Proteas veteran has put forth his prediction that Bairstow will be the top scorer during the Ashes 2019 campaign.
Also, Moeen Ali will be the lone spin-bowling all-rounder. The pace battery will be comprised of Anderson, Chris Woakes and Stuart Broad respectively. Recently, Woakes had played a remarkable role for England against Ireland. He had claimed best bowling figures of six for 17 at Lord’s Cricket Stadium in London on day three of the four-day Test.
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Despite England having home advantage, many believe it’s going to be an enticing Test series between the two arch-rivals.
Ashes 2019: Here is England’s playing XI for the Edgbaston Test:
Rory Burns, Jason Roy, Joe Root (c), Joe Denly, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, Jimmy Anderson