No Bairstow, Anderson as England names 12-man squad for the first Ashes test
On the eve of The Ashes 2021-22 first game, visitors to England named a 12-person squad for the opening test at The Gabba in Brisbane against Australia. England will forego the services of seasoned fast bowler James Anderson, who has been rested for the first test of the five-game series in Australia. Another big name missing from the English 12 is Jonny Bairstow. Regarding Anderson's non-inclusion vice captain, Jos Buttler told the BBC, “Jimmy isn't going to play but he's fit. It's just a precaution. "
Ollie Pope, who performed well against India earlier this year, was preferred to senior batter Jonny Bairstow for sixth place, while young Haseeb Hameed was selected to open the innings with Rory Burns ahead of Zak Crawley.
Another big highlight from the 12-man squad announced by the touring party is star all-rounder Ben Stokes, who took a break from cricket at the beginning of the year due to mental health problems, was added to the line-up and the team management is likely to give in to him his place number 5 in the stroke order.
However, the England and Wales Cricket Board also said in a statement that the "final XI throw" will be confirmed in Brisbane.
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The top 7 look pretty safe, the only decision skipper Joe Root is likely to have to take at the Brisbane litter is whether to choose four seam options or three pacers and a spinner since England also has a left arm spinner, Jack Leach , in the 12-man squad.
On Sunday, the newly appointed Australian skipper Pat Cummins announced that he would play the starting line-up for the Ashes opener.
England 12-man squad: Joe Root (c), Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Haseeb Hameed, Jack Leach, Dawid Malan, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.
Australia Playing XI: Marcus Harris, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood