The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has named the playing XI for the fourth Test match against Australia in the ongoing Ashes 2023 which will be played from July 19 onwards at the Old Trafford in Manchester.
England trails 1-2 in the ongoing Ashes 2023 and won the last Test match in Leeds thanks to some spirited bowling by Mark Wood and some good batting by Harry Brook and co.
The playing XI sees veteran James Anderson being recalled in the XI in place of Ollie Robinson, who had broken down in the third Test and left England short of bowling options. Anderson was rested for England’s victory in the third Test at Headingley after taking three wickets at 75.33 in the first two Tests.
Stokes, England’s captain, hinted at Anderson’s inclusion in Manchester before the Headingley Test, saying Anderson would have the opportunity to get some rest and prepare “to charge in from the James Anderson End at Old Trafford next week”.
Anderson returned from a groin injury, sustained playing for Lancashire, at the start of the series, and was some way short of his best.
Moeen Ali Promoted To No.3 In Batting Order, Harry Brook Return To Preferred No.5 Spot
With Moeen Ali being assigned to bat at No. 3, there is yet another big alteration from the lineup that began the Headingley Test. In Leeds’ first innings, Moeen batted at No. 7, but he requested to be moved up the order in the second, allowing Harry Brook to take his preferred No. 5 position again.
Although Brook scored 75 in a more well-known capacity, Moeen only managed to make 5 in his new role. The batting order for England has not changed, with Jonny Bairstow batting at No. 7 and Ben Stokes set to enter at No. 6.
England XI for the fourth Test: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Moeen Ali, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Stuart Broad, James Anderson