Ashes 2017-18: Big blow for England ahead of final Test, star all-rounder ruled out

Team England received a big blow ahead of the final Test of the Ashes 2017-18. Nothing has been going right for the English side down under this season. They have already lost the Ashes and are now seeking a consolation win in the final Test of the series. The match commences on Thursday and this would be a match for pride for the visitors.

Ahead of the game, they have received a big blow in the form of an injury concern. All-rounder Chris Woakes has been ruled out of the Test following an injury. In his absence, young leggie Mason Crane is all set to make his debut. Woakes injury comes as a sigh of relief for all-rounder Moeen Ali though. Ali, who has been out of form with both bat and the ball this series, was expected to make way for Crane in the side.

However, with Woakes getting injured, Moeen Ali retains his place in the England setup. English skipper Joe Root confirmed these announcements in the pre-match press conference recently.

“He’s obviously an integral significant member of both the white ball and test team and it’s important he’s not out for a long time like he was last summer. He’s going to miss this week and it’s a great opportunity for Mason to come in and make his debut,” Joe Root quoted as per the quotes in Reuters.

On Mason Crane

The young leggie, Mason Crane, is all set to become England’s youngest spinner to make a Test debut in over 90 years. He has been a prolific wicket taker in domestic circuit. Skipper Joe Root was all praise for the new England recruit. He mentioned that Crane has immense maturity for a person of his age. He feels that the youngster is all set for the challenges of the international cricket.

“He’s been outstanding. For a young man to apply himself and absorb himself in the environment as he has, is exactly what you want. You can see a big progression in his game since he’s been involved in this tour. He’s right up for international cricket and he’s not someone who’s going to back down. On this surface, he’s going to be a really good option. It looks like it’s going to give a bit of turn throughout,” conceded the English skipper.

Playing XI: Alastair Cook, Mark Stoneman, James Vince, Joe Root (captain), Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Tom Curran, Stuart Broad, Mason Crane, James Anderson

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