New Delhi: Ahead of the first Ashes Test to be played at The Gabba on Wednesday, England announced a 12-man squad as they take on old foes Australia. The playing XI will only be announced after the toss.
All-rounder Ben Stokes, who made himself available for the Ashes Test series after he had taken an indefinite break working on his mental health, has been named in the 12-man strong squad.
James Anderson, leading wicket-taker in Test cricket among active players, will be missing the first test despite reports that the 39-year-old bowler is fit to play.
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“Jimmy is fit to play and is not carrying an injury. With five Tests in six weeks the plan was to get him ready for the second Test in Adelaide,” an ECB statement said.
Jonny Bairstow is the other big name missing from England's first Ashes squad as they plan to take on Australia in Brisbane.
It appears that Rory Burns and Haseeb Hameed will be slugging out the opening slots, while Jos Buttler and Dawid Malan will lead the batting in the middle-order.
Stuart Broad will be the experienced paceman bowling in tandem with Ollie Robinson. Chris Woakes and Mark Wood are the other pacers picked in the 12-man squad. If Stokes is taken in the Playing XI, he will be the potential fourth pacer. Jack Leech is the lone spinner in the squad.
England's 12-Man Squad For 1st Ashes Test: Joe Root (c), Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Haseeb Hameed, Jack Leach, Dawid Malan, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.