Ashes 2019: Jofra Archer Named in England Squad for First Test; Ben Stokes Reappointed Vice-Captain

England named Jofra Archer in a 14-member squad selected for the first Ashes Test against Australia at Edgbaston next week. Archer, who bowled the match-winning Super Over in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 and finished as England’s highest wicket-taker, is yet to play a single Test but could make his debut on August 1 if he recovers from a side strain. Seven other members of from the CWC 2019 triumphant team – including Ben Stokes and Jason Roy – were selected for the opening Test at Birmingham. Ashes 2019 Series: Australia Announces 17-Man Squad for Tests Against England.

Stokes has also been reappointed the vice-captain of the Test team for the first time since the Bristol nightclub incident on September 2017. The 28-year-old all-rounder along with Jos Buttler was rested for the Ireland Test but are expected to make the playing XI on Thursday. Opener Jason Roy, who made his debut against Ireland earlier this week, was also picked as one of the three opening batsmen. Rory Burns and Joe Denly both of whom failed miserably at Lord’s against Ireland kept their place in the squad.

Lewis Gregory and Jack Leach, whose 92 runs after coming to bat as a night-watchman was vital to England’s victory against Ireland, were left out. Moeen Ali is the sole spinner in the 14-man squad. Leach, despite being left out, will, however, train with the England squad as a reserve spinner.

Archer though wouldn’t be hurried into the Test squad unless he is fully fit. Chris Woakes’ 6/17 against Ireland will give the management some respite and patience over Archer’s inclusion. The 24-year-old played for Sussex in the Vitality T20 Blast without any issue. The Barbados born pacer was England’s best bowler at CWC 2019 but has very little red ball experience. Since making his debut for Sussex in 2016, Archer has played 28 First-Class matches taking 131 wickets but his last four-day game dates back to September last year.

James Anderson, who withdrew from the Ireland Test as a precautionary measure for the calf-injury he is nursing, has also been named. Stuart Broad, Olyy Stones, Sam Curran and Chris Woakes are the other fast bowlers in the squad.

Commenting on the squad for the first Test, National Selector Ed Smith said, “Though it is unusual to select a squad of 14 for a home Test, there are compelling reasons to do so here. Several bowlers are recovering from injuries or niggles. In addition, some bowlers who played in the World Cup are being closely monitored to assess their preparation for Test match cricket.

"The wider circumstances - a successful home World Cup campaign followed so quickly by a home Ashes series - are unprecedented. It feels sensible to select an expanded squad and leave a number of bowling options open for the final team selection."

England Squad: Joe Root (c), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 27, 2019 04:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).