LONDON: Veteran pacer James Anderson has been recalled to England’s Playing XI for the fourth Ashes Test against Australia.
Experienced pacer James Anderson was added back to England’s Playing XI and replaced Ollie Robinson, who struggled with back spasms in the third Ashes Test at Headingley.
James Anderson, who could pick three wickets in the first two Ashes Tests at 75.33, was short of his best after returning from a groin injury, sustained while playing for Lancashire in the County Championship.
Another key change to England’s lineup was a shuffle to their batting order with Moeen Ali to bat at No. 3.
The spin all-rounder, who reversed his Test retirement for the Ashes, batted at No. 7 in the first innings of the third Test before being promoted to No.3 in the second inning.
The change in Ali’s batting position, enables Harry Brook to bat at his favour spot of No.5.
Although Ali could only make five in his new role but Brook’s 75 in his favoured spot vindicated the move.
Besides Ali’s promotion, England retained the same batting order with Ben Stokes at No.6 with wicketkeeper batter Jonny Bairstow to follow.
“We thought that him coming in at No. 3, he was able to impact the game more than he would be at No. 7,” stated Stokes.
“I just love the fact that Mo is willing to put himself in those situations; that he wants to get out there and help the team in a positive way… Mo going to Baz and saying, ‘I want the opportunity’ is everything that we’re about as a team.”
Ben Stokes-led England are eyeing a miraculous comeback in the Ashes remainder and will have to imitate an 86-year-old record of Don Bradman’s Australian side, which shrugged off the 2-0 deficit to win an Ashes series.
England Playing XI for fourth Ashes Test: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Moeen Ali, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jonny Bairstow, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Stuart Broad, James Anderson.
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