The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced an unchanged England XI for the upcoming fifth and final Ashes 2023 Test against Australia which sees James Anderson holding his spot for the match which begins on July 27.
England trails 1-2 in the series and lost a golden chance to draw level after the fifth day of the fourth Test in Manchester was rained off. Australia retained the Ashes as a result and only need a win or a draw in Manchester to win their first Test series in England since 2001.
Veteran pacer James Anderson has retained his place despite his struggles throughout the series, keeping the likes of Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue on the bench again. Anderson, who turns 41 this coming Sunday, has not delivered an impressive performance, claiming only four wickets in three Tests at an average of 76.75.
In the recent match at Emirates Old Trafford, Anderson recorded match figures of 1/81 from 37 overs.
On the other hand, Stuart Broad is set to become the only English fast bowler to feature in all five matches in Ashes when he enters the field for The Oval Test starting on July 27.
Chris Woakes And Mark Wood To Feature In Their Third Consecutive Tests Each
On the other hand, both fast bowlers Chris Woakes and Mark Wood, who made their respective returns in the Ashes after a long injury layout, have been given the green signal to take part in their third consecutive Tests, having been instrumental in England’s triumph at Headingley.
In batting, Moeen Ali is set to bat at No. 3 again after an impressive fifty in the first innings of the Manchester Test. Zak Crawley who smashed a terrific 189 in Manchester will open the innings with Ben Duckett.
England Playing XI for The Oval Test: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Moeen Ali, Joe Root, Harry Brook. Ben Stokes (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Stuart Broad, James Anderson