James Anderson To Replace Ollie Robinson In England’s Playing XI For Old Trafford Ashes 2023 Test

Robinson bowled just 11.2 overs at Headingley before sustaining a back spasm. However, he did come out to bat with a six-ball cameo but did not bowl again in the game.

James Anderson in action. ( Image Source :Getty )

England's veteran speedster James Anderson is set to replace  Ollie Robinson as the English side announced their playing XI for the fourth Ashes Test which will be taking place at the Old Trafford, starting from Wednesday. Previously, Ollie declared his availability for the fourth Test after he got injured in the third match of the series last week. Robinson bowled just 11.2 overs at Headingley before sustaining a back spasm. However, he did come out to bat with a six-ball cameo but did not bowl again in the game.

Anderson was given a rest during England's triumph in the third Test at Headingley, where he had scalped three wickets at an average of 75.33 in the first two matches of the series. He will replace Ollie Robinson which will be the only change in England's lineup.

“Lancashire seamer James Anderson replaces Sussex seamer Ollie Robinson from the side that defeated Australia in the third Test at Headingley last week,” ECB said in a statement.

England team management has also shown trust in wicketkeeper batter Jonny Bairstow by including him in the fourth Ashes Test against Australia. Bairstow has had a terrible run in the previous matches of the ongoing Ashes 2023. The only game in which he fired was the first day of the series by scoring a run-a-ball 78.  He has a combined 63 runs since then.

For the English side, the ongoing Ashes 2023 series have been a topsy-turvy show as Kangaroos won two close encounters at  Edgbaston and Lord’s. England however made a terrific comeback by winning the Headingley Test and kept the series alive. The series currently stands at 2-1 where Australia has the lead. The English side needs to win both the remaining matches to reclaim the crown.

England's squad for the fourth Test: Ben Stokes (captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.