England retain Ireland Test squad for first two Ashes games

LONDON: England have named the same group of 16 players from the one-off Test against Ireland for the first two Ashes Tests, starting later this month.

The squad includes James Anderson and fellow pacer Ollie Robinson, who missed the four-day Test against Ireland at Lord’s due to fitness concerns as they are expected to be completely fit for the high-stake Test series against arch-rivals Australia.

Young fast bowler Josh Tongue also marked his call-up to the Ashes squad after a five-wicket haul in his debut Test, helping England beat Ireland by 10 wickets on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Stuart Board, Mark Wood, Matthew Potts and Chris Woakes are also included in the squad making up a high-spirited pace attack for England.

Ben Stokes will lead the England team despite his bowling fitness remains uncertain.

The highly-anticipated Ashes series begins on June 16 in Birmingham with the second Test at Lord’s from June 28.

England squad: Ben Stokes (c), Ollie Pope, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Joe Root, James Anderson, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Jack Leach, Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Matthew Potts, Ollie Robinson, Dan Lawrence, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Josh Tongue.

Ashes schedule:

1st Test: 16-20 June, Edgbaston, Birmingham

2nd Test: 28 June-2 July, Lord’s, London

3rd Test: 6-10 July, Headingley, Leeds

4th Test: 19-23 July, Emirates Old Trafford, Manchester

5th Test: 27-31 Kia Oval, London

READ: Five-star Tongue strikes as England down gutsy Ireland