Ashes 2023: England announce playing combination for final Test

England have announced their playing XI for the fifth and final Ashes Test, which is set to be played at The Oval on July 27. The fourth game at Manchester resulted in a draw as rain played a spoilsport. After very little play on Day 4 of the Test, Day 5 was entirely washed out due to persistent downpour and wet outfield. 

The two sides will now square-off in the fifth and final Test of the Ashes 2023 at the Kennington Oval. England have announced an unchanged playing XI a day before the forthcoming Test as the same set of players will be taking on the Australian side. 

Skipper Ben Stokes had earlier said that there were some 'tired bodies' and hence a change in the XI was anticipated, but to everyone's surprise, the team has backed all their players for the next game. Since Australia have retained the Ashes urn, England would now be hoping to end the series on a high note so as to keep their record against the Aussies alive. 

Though Ollie Robinson had declared himself fit for selection ahead of the Old Trafford Test, the team brought back home boy James Anderson. The team looked in strong contention to win the game and level the series, but it wasn't possible eventually and the rain proved to be an advantage for Australia.

The visitors have not defeated the hosts, in England, in a Test series since 2001 and hence, the Ben Stokes-led side would be aiming to keep the record intact and extend the streak. On the other hand, if Australia manage to clinch a victory or pull off a draw, the series would go down in history books.   

England's XI:

Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Moeen Ali, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jonnathan Bairstow (wk), Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Stuart Broad, James Anderson