English speedster Jofra Archer will have to wait to make his Test debut as he has been left out of the Playing XI which has been announced by ECB ahead of the opening Ashes Test slated to be played at Edgbaston from Thursday. Archer hasn’t played a Test match and his wait will continue at least till the next Test.
Jofra Archer finished as the leading wicket-taker for England in the World Cup and bowled the decisive super over which gave England their maiden World Cup. Despite his exploits, Chris Woakes was preferred ahead of him due to his experience and batting abilities in the lower middle order. Woakes bagged 6 wickets in the Test against Ireland which helped them bowl the Irish out for just 38 runs in the 2nd innings.
Meanwhile James Anderson and Stuart Broad will combine again to play in the opening Test. The two leading wicket-takers of England will look to make an impact straightaway in the Ashes series. The rest of the side from the Ireland Test is expected to remain the same. Meanwhile, on his decision to bat at No 3 after expressing his desire to bat at No 4, Joe Root said it was completely his decision.
“It”s an opportunity for me to get in there earlier to spread out the experience. It”s a really good chance for me to cement this spot and make it my own. Having captained this side for a while, I feel like a I can get my head around juggling leading on the field and batting.”
Meanwhile, Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes who was rested for the Test against Ireland have returned to the XI. Jofra Archer was nursing an injury following the World Cup. Hence he decided to rest and made himself unavailable for the Ireland Test.
“Jofra is coming back from a serious injury,” said Root. “We looked at the conditions and went with what we thought was best to take 20 wickets here.It always give him the chance to get 100% fit. That will be monitored throughout the week.”
England XI:Â Rory Burns, Jason Roy, Joe Root, Joe Denly, Ben Stokes, Jos Buttler, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, James Anderson
