Woakes and Anderson get the nod in unchanged England workforce for Fifth Ashes Test
Woakes had been a doubt having struggled with soreness and frolicked off the sector throughout Australia’s second innings at Old Trafford final week, however the all-rounder has progressed nicely over the previous two days.
The 34-year-old sat out the primary two Tests of the sequence however has had a huge effect since being recalled to the XI at Headingley, taking 12 wickets in two Tests.
“Everyone’s pulled up well, everyone’s fit from the last game so we’ve gone unchanged,” Stokes mentioned. “It’s been a tough four games and I think one little tiny positive we could maybe take from the rain [at Old Trafford] is that the bowlers got a bit more rest.
“With the quick turnaround and the game we have here, knowing what we need to do, you could see that as a tiny, tiny little positive.”
Anderson, against this, has had a tough sequence, taking solely 4 wickets in three video games at a median of 77, however may have the possibility to enhance that report as England look to clinch a series-levelling victory.
The seamer, England’s most prolific Test bowler of all-time, will flip 41 throughout the Test and there was rising hypothesis over his future given his wrestle for affect. Writing in his Telegraph column, nonetheless, Anderson said he has no plans to walk away on the finish of the sequence.
Chris Woakes and James Anderson will begin on the Oval
/ Getty Images“He’s quality,” Stokes mentioned. “Although he’s not had the impact or the wickets he would have liked to in this series, he’s a quality bowler and quality performer.
“Jimmy’s come under a bit of flack for that but if Joe [Root] hadn’t scored the runs he would have liked, you wouldn’t be questioning him staying in the team as a batter.
“James Anderson is the greatest fast-bowler to play the game and he’s still looking as good as he was two years ago, although he hasn’t had the impact that he would have liked in this series.”
The make-up of England’s line-up, with Ollie Robinson and Josh Tongue the bowler to overlook out, means Stuart Broad will full the outstanding feat of taking part in all six Test matches this summer season.
“It was always going to be hard for one bowler to play every game this series but he’s been incredible for us,” Stokes added.
“He’s put in some incredible performances throughout the Test matches, coming on with the ball and changing the game numerous times. He’s the leading wicket-taker and it’s very hard to look past someone like that.”