England’s announcement of their 17-man squad for this winter’s Ashes has been met with a mixed reaction from the fans and cricket pundits.

After weeks of uncertainty over the Ashes going ahead, England have selected their “strongest available” squad.

They will be without the services of Ben Stokes, Jofra Archer, Olly Stone and Sam Curran – four players who would have been expected to tour if available.

Given that England last won a Test in Australia almost a decade back, many England supporters have kept their expectations for this winter’s tour low.

Some, including Michael Vaughan, felt a more free-scoring batter like Liam Livingstone should have been included.

Matt Parkinson’s exclusion, too, didn’t sit well with some.

The question of England’s thin batting resources came up.

The similarities between this and England’s 2017-18 touring group were commented on, too.

But this was still viewed as the best squad that England could’ve come up with, taking into account all the injury concerns.

However, for many the verdict of the series was already here.

Although, the Barmy Army had a slightly different take on the squad announcement.

 

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