England announce their playing XI for the third Ashes test at WACA

Ahead of the Perth Test, England have named an unchanged XI from the last game at the Adelaide Oval. The third test at WACA ground is supposedly going to be the last test match played at the stadium. However, there were some interesting changes in the batting order of the visitors.

The England management has decided to shake the lower order a little bit. Wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow who hasn’t been at his best so far in the series has been promoted to No.6. On the other hand, all-rounder Moeen Ali has been notched a spot below at No.7.

Inspite of the questions raised by the experts, England didn’t bow down to them. They showed confidence on the current crop to deliver. The trip of David Malan, Mark Stoneman and James Vince are expected to play a crucial part at the middle order.

Alastair Cook hasn’t been in a great patch. If England are seeking to turn things around in the Ashes, he has to stand out with the bat at the top. They cannot afford to lose another game as it will mean conceding the Ashes to the Aussies. Skipper Joe Root is again expected to guide the middle order and play a big innings.

As for the bowling line up, Craig Overton managed to retain his place in the playing XI. The right arm pacer took 4 wickets in the Adelaide test match which was also his debut. The pace twins James Anderson and Stuart Broad are all set to lead the pace attack alongside Chris Woakes.

The WACA match may well be England’s last attempt to make things right in what has been a horror tour so far. The visitors don’t enjoy a great record at Perth, having won their last game here way back in 1978.

Here’s the playing XI of England for the third test match commencing from tomorrow:

England XI: Alastair Cook, Mark Stoneman, James Vince, Joe Root (capt), Dawid Malan, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Craig Overton, Stuart Broad, James Anderson.