Ashes 2019: England announce 14-member squad to face Australia
What's the story
England have announced a 14-member squad for the first Test to face Australia at home in the upcoming Ashes 2019 starting August 1. The announcement comes just a day after England won the one-off Test against Ireland. Australia had announced their 17-member squad on Friday. Jofra Archer has been included in England's squad. Here are the details.
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Here's England's squad for the first Ashes Test
England squad for first Ashes Test: Joe Root (captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow (wicket-keeper), Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone and Chris Woakes.
Archer
High-flying Archer gets the nod in England's Ashes squad
24-year-old Archer is the most talked about person as far as the Ashes is concerned. He was the one who took 20 wickets in England's World Cup-winning campaign and bowled the Super Over in the finale. Archer, who played the World Cup 2019 with help of painkillers, claimed two scalps for for Sussex on his return in the T20 Blast against Surrey.
England squad
Stokes named vice-captain, several key players feature
England's power performers Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler were rested for the one-off Test versus Ireland this week. They make a return to the Ashes side. Stokes has been named vice-captain of the England team. James Anderson, who missed the Ireland match owing to calf injury, has been named. The likes of top-order batsmen Jason Roy, Rory Burns and Joe Denly have been included.
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England leave out Jack Leach
England have surprisingly left out Jack Leach. The spinner was adjudged the man of the match against Ireland for a brilliant 92. The left-arm spinner will train with the England squad though. England have picked all-rounder Moeen Ali as the main spin option.
Pace attack
England have a pace-heavy attack just like Australia
England could go in with four premier pace-bowling options with the two all-rounders giving support. Chris Woakes and Stuart Broad, who excelled against Ireland, will lead the line. Anderson is expected to join the two, although, he will need to pass a fitness test. 24-year-old Archer will fit in naturally. England also have Sam Curran and Olly Stone as strong options.
Batting
Batting a concern for England
England's main concern will be the batting after Ireland caused plenty of issues on a pitch that skipper Joe Root termed as substandard. England will find life difficult against a strong Aussie pace-bowling unit. A lot depends on the senior players. "We still managed to find a way to win and that shows great resilience, courage and unity," said Root after England's win.