England’s pace ace Jofra Archer, star of their World Cup triumph, has earned a maiden Test call-up for the first Ashes Test, which begins at Edgbaston on August 1.
Archer has experience of playing in 28 first-class games, and has 131 wickets to his name at 23.44.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Jos Buttler and all-rounder Ben Stokes, who were rested for the recently concluded Lord’s Test against Ireland, which England won by 143 runs, have been included in the 14-man squad.
The team will be led by their regular captain Joe Root, while Stokes has been reappointed as his deputy, having lost the role following his arrest in Bristol in 2017.
Jofra Archer has earned his maiden Test call-up, included for the first #Ashes Test at Edgbaston.
Ben Stokes has been reappointed Test vice-captain. pic.twitter.com/sCrYbjbRxh
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) July 27, 2019
The veteran quick James Anderson, who also missed the Lord’s Test due to a calf injury he sustained earlier this month, has also been named and is expected to be fully fit for the first Test.
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The only player that featured in the playing XI against Ireland to miss out is spinner Jack Leach, who was the Player of the Match in England’s win. Leach remained wicket-less in the Test but contributed with the bat, scoring a crucial 92 as a nightwatchman.
England’s national selector Ed Smith explained the “compelling reasons” for naming a 14-member squad: “Though it is unusual to select a squad of 14 for a home Test, there are compelling reasons to do so here. Several bowlers are recovering from injuries or niggles. In addition, some bowlers who played in the World Cup are being closely monitored to assess their preparation for Test match cricket.
Jack Leach, Player of the Match in England's win over Ireland, has been left out of their squad for the first #Ashes Test.
Harsh? pic.twitter.com/IEX98HpFrl
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) July 27, 2019
“The wider circumstances – a successful home World Cup campaign followed so quickly by a home Ashes series – are unprecedented. It feels sensible to select an expanded squad and leave a number of bowling options open for the final team selection.”
Squad: Joe Root (c), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Olly Stone
