Joe Denly is set to open for England in the 4th Ashes Test Match at Manchester. Denly has opened in his Test Debut since then have batted only in the middle order. Meanwhile, Jason Roy is likely to bat down the order at no.4.
Jason Roy has averaged 16.75 in the four-Test matches he has played with just one half-century, 72 against Ireland. Roy has been given a long run for Test Cricket, this change might gear up his confidence.
Joe Denly has a good record as an opening batsman
Joe Denly has also made a ton while opening in a first-class match. That came against Gloucestershire in 2015. Selectors are giving him a go at opening slot this time.
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England selectors in recent times have given a chance more than a dozen players to open for England in Test matches. Still, the players have failed miserably as even in county none have been found who can assign that slot.
Other news about the England squad ahead of the fourth Test
Selectors do not want more changes on this winning team, for another important match. Apart from this swapping of slots for Roy and Denly, England might bring Sam Curran or Craig Overton for Chris Woakes. Overton had 42.28 average in the three-Test Matches he played, but it does not show his impact and positive impression he made in the domestic.
On the other hand, Sam Curran is also waiting for a chance since long. He showed what he can do in Test Matches he played till now. Woakes had a bad game at the Leeds, as Root also has shown faith in Jofra Archer and Ben Stokes rather than him at Leeds.
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After James Anderson being ruled out of the remaining Ashes Test Matches, England have to regain that high-level experience in the team, as Archer, Broad, Curran, Overton can still be lethal for them if needed. But Anderson’s skill has been countless throughout his career, and also he has been bowling well in recent times, he should not be ruled out yet from the contention.