England have announced their 14-man squad for the first Ashes Test. Australia currently hold the urn after winning 4-0 the last time the two sides met, but they haven’t won an Ashes series in England since 2001 and they’re desperate to rectify that in 2019. The visitors, led by Tim Paine, will have a 17-man squad for the entire series, but which England players will they be facing in the first Test at Edgbaston? Here’s who Ed Smith and his team of selectors have picked to represent England.
Joe Root (C)
England will be led by Joe Root, who is looking to get his hands on the urn for the first time as captain.
Moeen Ali
England’s spinning allrounder has been under scrutiny for recent performances but he’s still included in the squad.
James Anderson
James Anderson has been struggling with a calf injury but he’s in the squad and he’ll be hoping to play at Edgbaston.
Jofra Archer
The last time we saw Jofra Archer in an England shirt, he was bowling the super over that won his team the World Cup. Now, he’s in line to make his Test debut in the Ashes.
Jonny Bairstow (wk)
England have an abundance of wicketkeeper options but Jonny Bairstow will have the gloves. England will need him to score big runs too.
Stuart Broad
Fresh from a very good performance against Ireland at Lord’s, Stuart Broad will be keen to get into another battle with Australia.
Rory Burns
England have stuck with Rory Burns at the top of the order, but he’ll know he’s under pressure to deliver a score sooner rather than later.
Jos Buttler
England’s star batsman was always going to be selected and he will be a crucial figure.
Sam Curran
A combination of left-arm swing bowling and explosive batting make Sam Curran a potential matchwinner.
Joe Denly
England’s top order is far from secure but Joe Denly has a chance to establish himself at number th
Jason Roy
Jason Roy will open the batting in the first Test, on the back of earning his first cap against Ireland.
Ben Stokes
Stokes was England’s hero of the World Cup final and will be the vice-captain for the first Test, taking over from Buttler.
Olly Stone
Olly Stone made his Test debut against Ireland and his pace is a weapon that England will hope to use.
Chris Woakes
Chris Woakes took six wickets against Ireland last time out to remind everyone that he’s more than deserving of a place in the team.