Ashes 2019: England name unchanged 12-man squad for Headingley Test
England on Monday announced an unchanged 12-man squad for the upcoming third Ashes Test against Australia at Headingley in Leeds from Thursday. This means that veteran pacer James Anderson is all set to miss out of the Test owing to a calf injury he suffered prior to the opening Test. However, ECB has confirmed that he is making a steady recovery. Here's more.
As a part of his rehabilitation program, ECB said that Anderson would be playing for Lancashire second XI in a three-day friendly match against Leicestershire from Tuesday. "He will be assessed on an ongoing basis ahead of selection for the fourth Specsavers Ashes Test at Emirates Old Trafford starting on Wednesday 4 September," said ECB in a media release.
The bowling attack saw young pacer Jofra Archer retain his spot in the squad, following a fine debut in the last game, where he claimed five wickets and impressed with his sheer pace and bounce. Also, spinner Jack Leach impressed in the last Test, claiming four wickets in the game, asides claiming three wickets in the final innings of the tie.
As for the batting, the ECB selectors have kept faith in their regular batsmen, especially Jason Roy, who has been under scrutiny despite having failed to perform so far. Meanwhile, they would also back Joe Denly to score a big knock, while skipper Joe Root is an obvious choice, who too needs to step up in order to save England hereon.
As far as the middle-order goes, England would be watchful of all-rounder Ben Stokes, who scored a century in the last Test. Also, Jonny Bairstow's fighting half-century was enough to retain his spot, while Jos Buttler can also steer the innings with a good partnership. Meanwhile, England need to win this Test as an Australian win would see the visitors retaining the urn.
England squad for 3rd Ashes Test: Jason Roy, Rory Burns, Joe Root (c), Joe Denly, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Chris Woakes, Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad, Jack Leach, Sam Curran.
