England title unchanged squad for Oval Ashes Test
England have named an unchanged 14-man squad for the fifth Ashes Test on the Kia Oval, as they give the impression of being to bounce again from the frustration of drawing in Manchester with a win to sq. the collection.
Despite being “pretty much perfect throughout”, within the phrases of captain Ben Stokes, England have been unable to power victory at Old Trafford as heavy rain over the weekend meant solely 30 overs have been doable on day 4 and none in any respect on day 5. The consequence meant Australia retained the urn with a recreation to spare.
As in 2019, England go to south London unable to win the collection however with the inducement of denying Australia their first win on these shores since 2001. “It is a massive game for us and 2-2 sounds a lot better than 3-1,” Stokes mentioned.
England should assess the health of Chris Woakes, who has had a significant affect in his two appearances and is the aspect’s second-leading wicket-taker with 12, however has reported feeling quad stiffness.
The Headingley Test was Woakes’ first within the format since England toured the Caribbean in March 2022 and he mentioned final week, earlier than the fourth Test began, that he had pulled up “extremely sore” after bowling 35 overs throughout the match in Leeds.
He added that taking part in back-to-back Tests “won’t be an issue” if chosen to play at The Oval, and that “the adrenaline and the occasion” would get him by means of. But with a World Cup in India looming later this yr, England could determine to not danger one among their important all-format gamers.
“There are some tired bodies and we have a short period until the Oval so we will have to see who is fit then,” Stokes informed the BBC.
Mark Wood‘s workload can be prone to be monitored and England may face a choice over whether or not to incorporate James Anderson of their XI. Michael Vaughan, the previous England captain, mentioned the number of Anderson – who has 4 wickets at 76.75 within the collection – had cost England at Old Trafford and his place may come underneath risk from Ollie Robinson or Josh Tongue.
England squad for the fifth Test: Ben Stokes (capt), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood