England has announced their team for the first Ashes Test to commence on Thursday morning in Brisbane, with Jake Ball claiming the only spot surrounded by any uncertainty.
While the make-up of the English side was more or less known after their warm-up matches against the Cricket Australia XI, the 26-year-old quick has recovered from an ankle injury to be included in England’s attack to play at the Gabba.
Ball’s selection, who averages a woeful 114 with the ball from his three Tests allows England to play four fast bowlers, alongside James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes.
Moeen Ali will receive no spinning support, batting at No.6 for the tourists. The questions over him being a lead spin bowler in harsh Australian conditions have been asked in the lead-up to the series, but if he isn’t up to the challenge, England could pay dearly for not having another option to turn to in Brisbane.
Their order, while settled, looks fragile outside of Alastair Cook and Joe Root. Mark Stoneman will open alongside the former captain, with James Vince at first drop.
The current captain Root will bat at No.4, with Dawid Malan able to lock down the No.5 spot after showing some good form in their tour matches.
England XI for first Ashes Test
1. Alastair Cook
2. Mark Stoneman
3. James Vince
4. Joe Root (c)
5. Dawid Malan
6. Moeen Ali
7. Jonny Bairstow (wk)
8. Chris Woakes
9. Stuart Broad
10. James Anderson
11. Jake Ball
Be sure to join The Roar from 11am (AEDT) tomorrow for a live blog, highlights and all the best expert analysis and reaction as the first Test gets underway.
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