Ashes 2019 - England Reveal Playing XI For The First Test

England captain Joe Root has revealed the playing XI for the first Ashes Test set to be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham. The gun fast bowler Jofra Archer has missed out in the final XI whereas veteran fast bowler James Anderson has passed the fitness test. Anderson had missed the one-off Test match against Ireland due to a calf injury.

Meanwhile, it would be a vulnerable top order for the hosts for the first Test match. England captain Joe Root will bat at number three position whereas Rory Burns and Jason Roy will open the innings for the hosts. Furthermore, Joe Denly who is yet to prove himself at the topmost level will bat at number four.

No Jofra Archer for England.

Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes who were given rest after the World Cup success for the Test match against Ireland come back into the last XI of the side. Jonny Bairstow will take the wicketkeeping duties for England.

Moeen Ali will be the lone spinner in the English side. Furthermore, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad and James Anderson will constitute the pace battery of the hosts. Woakes has the skills to move the ball both ways and he had scalped his best bowling figures of 6-17 against Ireland. Thus, the swing master will like to continue his good form going.

The gruelling Ashes series will begin with the first Test match set to be played at Edgbaston, Birmingham from August 1. England will have the home advantage with them but there is very little to choose between the two sides.

On the other hand, Australia will name their final XI at the time of the toss. Mitchell Starc is likely to miss out whereas Cameron Bancroft will open the innings with David Warner. James Pattinson is expected to be part of the playing XI whereas Usman Khawaja is declared fit.

Here is England playing XI:

Rory Burns, Jason Roy, Joe Root (c), Joe Denly, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, Jimmy Anderson