England have named their 12-man squad for the third Ashes Test against Australia starting on Thursday (August 22) at Headingley.
The hosts remain 1-0 down in the five-match series heading into the third game after the second Test ended in a draw.
James Anderson, the 37-year-old seamer, will have wait for his return but he will test his right calf in Lancashire second XI’s three-day match versus Leicestershire beginning on Tuesday (August 20).
Joe Root & Co. are hopeful that Anderson could be back to full match fitness in time for the fourth Test which starts on September 4 at Old Trafford.
Jofra Archer and Jack Leach continue in the side after impressing in place of Anderson and Moeen Ali respectively at Lord’s.
Archer produced a devastating performance against the Aussie batsmen with one of the fastest bowling spells Test cricket has seen this decade.
The English debutant hit Steve Smith in the neck with a nasty bouncer and the former Australian captain – ranked the No. 2 Test batsman in the world – was forced to retire on 80. While Smith returned to score 92 on Saturday, he was ruled out for the remainder of the match with a concussion and will be assessed ahead of the third Test.
England squad for the third Test:
Joe Root (c), Ben Stokes (vc), Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jack Leach, Jason Roy, Chris Woakes.
