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James Anderson and Stuart Anderson have been named in England’s 12-man squad for the second Ashes Test, starting on Thursday, December 16. In the series opener Australia thrashed England by 9 wickets on the penultimate day of the match.
The return of the veteran pace duo will be a big boost for the tourists as the second Test is a day-night encounter. Mark Wood, who returned with figures of 3/85 in the first innings of the Gabba Test, has been rested for the Adelaide Test.
So now, there are four fast bowlers in England’s bowling unit – Broad, Anderson, Ollie Robinson and Chris Woakes.
A final decision on who to be benched will be made at the toss after a last look at the wicket.
“I came here wanting to be available for five (Tests) and that doesn’t change now, I want to be available for the next four,” said the 39-year-old Anderson, who has taken a record 632 wickets in Test cricket – more than any other seamer.
“I think the gaps between the next few Tests, it might be a bit easier to get that rest in between and make sure everyone’s fresh, but that’s something out of my control.
“I’ve just got to do my best if I get picked tomorrow,” he added.
Meanwhile, captain Joe Root said: “With four Tests coming up in the next four weeks, it is important that we keep our bowling group fresh and ready for each Test. Jimmy [Anderson] and Stuart [Broad] have prepped well leading into this Test. They worked hard at Brisbane and have been in good rhythm in the sessions we have had in Adelaide.
“Mark [Wood] will play a pivotal role in this series, and we have to ensure he is fresh and able to perform at his fullest capability. With three Tests coming up after this one, he will be ready to play his part in the rest of the series.
“The bowling unit are in a good place. They performed well in Brisbane and to have two of our most experienced pairing ready to go for Adelaide, that is a real boost for us especially with the pink ball in play and the match under lights.”
England squad for the pink-ball Test:
Joe Root (c), Jimmy Anderson, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler (wk), Haseeb Hameed, Jack Leach, Dawid Malan, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes.
