Ashes 2019: Roy and Denly keep spots in England’s squad for Leeds Test

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced a 12-man squad for the third Ashes Test against Australia, scheduled to start on August 22 at the Headingley in Leeds. The Three Lions have a lot of work to do in order to make a comeback in the series. The Brits were pushed on the backfoot right from the outset after their 251-run defeat at the Edgbaston in Birmingham.

But in the second Test at the Lord’s Cricket Ground, Joe Root and Co tried their hearts out, though the Aussies managed to hold their nerve under pressure. Rain interrupted play quite a few times in the game owing to which a result was eventually not possible. As far as the English squad for the next game is concerned, the likes of Jason Roy and Joe Denly were persisted with.

Even as Roy only has 40 runs at 10, Denly scored 85 runs in the first two games. The duo needs to get some runs under their belt in order to avoid facing the axe in the future. Skipper Root’s form is also a matter of concern. Rory Burns, being one of their lesser experienced batters, have done exceptionally, having scored 226 runs and that’s a massive positive for the home team.

No Moeen Ali in the mix for England

The likes of Jos Buttler and Jonny Bairstow haven’t been at their best just yet. In the middle order, Ben Stokes has been a rock-solid prospect. The century he got in the second innings of the Lord’s Test would keep him in good stead. It goes without saying that there’s very little chance of speedster Jofra Archer getting dropped, especially after his performance at the Home of Cricket.

Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes have done their bit as well, giving England important breakthroughs. Moeen Ali, who was dropped for the second Test, didn’t find a spot as well. Moreover, all-rounder Sam Curran, who is yet to play a game in the series, has been selected. James Anderson is yet to recover from a calf injury.

Here is the squad

Joe Root, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jack Leach, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes

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