England, on Saturday (June 3), announced their squad for the first two games of the upcoming Ashes series against Australia, scheduled to begin from June 16. The hosts have named the same squad that is currently in action in the ongoing four-day Test against Ireland at the Lord’s.
With England retaining the same squad, debutant Josh Tongue has managed to retain his spot in the team. The Worcestershire pacer did not have the best of the debuts as he went wicketless in the first innings while conceding 40 runs in 13 overs. However, he has made amends in the ongoing second innings.
At lunch on 3, he had picked up the 4 of 6 Ireland wickets. His display in the second innings probably played a key role in his selection for the Ashes. Jonny Bairstow will continue to be the designated wicketkeeper of the team after finally returning to action with the ongoing game, Bairstow’s inclusion means Ben Foakes has been overlooked once again.
Meanwhile, fast-bowlers James Anderson and Ollie Robinson have also retained their spots in the team despite currently suffering with niggles. Both the bowlers failed to recover in time for the ongoing game against Ireland. A host of English pacers like Jofra Archer, Craig Overton, Olly Stone and Jamie Overton are sidelined with injuries and England would be hoping that Anderson and Robinson recover soon.
England squad for the Ashes:
Ben Stokes, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood
Australia squad:
Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis (wk), Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Todd Murphy, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, David Warner
Full Ashes schedule:
First Test: Friday June 16-Tuesday June 20, Edgbaston
Second Test: Wednesday June 28-Sunday July 2, Lord’s
Third Test: Thursday July 6-Monday July 10, Headingley
Fourth Test: Wednesday July 19-Sunday July 23, Old Trafford
Fifth Test: Thursday July 27-Monday 31, The Oval
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