Ahead of the Ashes 2019 opener at Edgbaston, hosts England announce their playing XI on Wednesday. Veteran English speedster James Anderson found a spot while Jofra Archer failed to make the cut, skipper Joe Root confirmed on Wednesday.

Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler are both in the playing XI but the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) in its release have not specified as to who will be wearing the wicketkeeper's gloves.

England have gone in with a pace battery comprising veterans James Anderson and Stuart Broad along with all-rounders Ben Stokes and Chris Woakes.

Archer, Sam Curran and Olly Stone miss out from the initial 14-man squad selected for the first Test in the five-match series, England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) reported.

Last week, Archer received maiden Test call-up on the back of his impressive performance in England's successful ICC Men's Cricket World Cup campaign.

Anderson, who was ruled out of one-off Test against Ireland due to right calf injury, was named in the 14-man squad as he was making good progress and was expected to be fit for the first Test.

Australia are the current Ashes holder, having won the series 4-0 on its home soil during the 2017-18 season.

England's playing XI for the first Test:

Rory Burns, Jason Roy, Joe Root (captain), Joe Denly, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, James Anderson.