Brisbane: On the eve of the first match of The Ashes 2021 – 2022 England named a 12-man squad for the opening Test against Australia. England will be without the services of veteran fast bowler James Anderson, who has been rested for the first Test of the five-match series as part of their workload management.
Anderson will be rested for the 1st Test as a precautionary measure. The team management feels Anderson can be better prepared for the subsequent pink-ball Test in Adelaide followed by the series opener.
“Jimmy is fit to play, and is not carrying an injury. With five Tests in six weeks the plan was to get him ready for the second Test in Adelaide,” the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said in a statement.
The decision also took into account England’s “limited” preparations ahead of the first Test with the weather playing spoilsport.
“With the limited build-up we have had so far on the tour, both him and the management didn’t want to take the risk of him playing after what had happened in 2019 at Edgbaston, when he broke down on the first morning,” the statement read.
“He bowled at full capacity yesterday for just short of an hour and was in a good place physically. He will do the same again today at practice. He will stay with the Test group this week and work with the coaches at the Gabba rather than playing for the Lions.” The statement further read.
Another big name Jonny Bairstow, who struggled against India at home earlier this year hasn’t been named in the playing XI.
Another big highlight from the 12-man squad announced by the touring party is star all-rounder Ben Stokes who had taken a break from cricket citing mental health issues, earlier this year, has been included in the line-up. However, the final XI will be confirmed at the toss.
England squad for the first Ashes Test
Joe Root (c), Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Haseeb Hameed, Jack Leach, Dawid Malan, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.
