England have announced their playing XI for the first Ashes Test, which will be played at Edgbaston from Thursday (August 1).
Captain Joe Root has left pace bowler Jofra Archer out of his team for the opening clash against arch-rivals Australia.
Archer, who is yet to play his Test debut, was England’s leading wicket-taker in their successful World Cup campaign.
Chris Woakes is preferred on his home ground after taking 6-17 in the win over Ireland last week.
England’s all-time leading wicket-taker James Anderson, who missed the Ireland game due to a calf injury, is deemed fit to play against Australia.
Anderson will lead an attack that also includes Stuart Broad, all-rounder Ben Stokes and off-spinner Moeen Ali.
The rest of the side is as expected, with skipper Root moving up one place to bat at three behind openers Rory Burns and Jason Roy.
With Joe Denly batting at four, Root has elevated himself to break up a trio of players who have only 11 Test caps between them.
England’s playing XI for the first Ashes Test:
Rory Burns, Jason Roy, Joe Root (c), Joe Denly, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, James Anderson.
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Australia are yet to announce their playing XI. Skipper Tim Paine, speaking at the pre-match press conference on Wednesday (July 31), said the visitors will announce their team at the toss.
