Ashes 2019: ECB announce England’s 14-man squad for the first Test

The much-awaited Ashes series is only a few days away from getting underway. Both the teams are gearing up for the historic clash at the Edgbaston from August 1. The visitors named their 17-man squad for the contest on Friday and now the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has named their team for the first Test. Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler who were rested for the Ireland Test, have returned even as the former has been named the vice-captain of the team.

The top three – Jason Roy, Rory Burns, Joe Denly – which struggled against Ireland to a large extent have also been retained. Olly Stone was impressive in his debut Test and has been rewarded with a place in the Ashes squad. However, it remains to be seen if he will be able to make it into the playing XI.

Jofra Archer earns his maiden Test call-up

Like it happened ahead of the World Cup 2019, the England selectors have picked Jofra Archer in the Test team as well. The pacer played a huge role in England winning the trophy for the first time and the selectors will be hoping that the Caribbean born cricketer delivers for them with the red cherry as well.

Meanwhile, James Anderson has also been included after missing the one-off Test match at Lord’s. He is expected to be fit in time for the series opener in Edgbaston. As many as six pace bowlers are the part of the squad with Ben Stokes, the all-rounder, being a genuine seventh option. It will also be interesting to see if Joe Root bats at number three during the series with Stokes, Buttler and Jonny Bairstow to follow.

Sam Curran has deservedly earned his maiden Ashes call-up to the line-up. He was one of the better players for the home team in the erstwhile game and was also player of the series in the home series against India last year.

Here’s England squad for the first Ashes Test: Joe Root (captain), Moeen Ali, Jimmy Anderson, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes (vice-captain), Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.