Australia named their 17-man squad for the Ashes on Friday, and now England has named their squad for the first Test. Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler have returned as they were rested for the Ireland Test.
Jofra Archer got his maiden Test call-up for England against Australia.
Olly Stone impressed in his debut Test against Ireland and included in the Ashes squad though his inclusion in the playing XI is still not sure as their pace attack is experienced and are in form.
James Anderson has also been included after missing the one-off Test match at Lord’s. He is anticipated to be fit in time for the series opener in Edgbaston.
Sam Curran has deservedly earned his first Ashes call to the line-up. He was among the better players for the home team in the one game and was additionally player of the series in the home series versus India last year.
England is going with six pace bowlers in the squad with Ben Stokes, the all-rounder, being a genuine seventh option; also announced as Vice-Captain. It will be interesting to see if Joe Root bats at number three throughout the series with Stokes, Buttler and Jonny Bairstow to follow down the order.
England Squad: (for the first Ashes Test)
Joe Root (c), Joe Denly, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes (vc), Jos Buttler (wk), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Sam Curran, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.
