England has selected an unchanged squad for the third Ashes test, while seasoned swing bowler James Anderson will play for Lancashire Second XI to prove his fitness.
England, after an impressive performance at Lord’s, has consistently opted for the third Ashes test, which ended in a draw, mainly because much of the game was washed out.
🗣️ "He makes things happen when not many others in world cricket can, with such a unique action and natural pace."
— ICC (@ICC) August 19, 2019
Joe Root is impressed with Jofra Archer's Test debut 👇#Asheshttps://t.co/e0dwLvDWpC
This means that Anderson, the world’s most prolific fast bowler, will be out again, but England announced that he will make progress in recovering from a calf injury and will contest Lancashire Second XI against Leicestershire on August 20 to prove his fitness before the remaining two ash tests.
Jofra Archer, who had made an impressive impression of his pace on his debut test at Lord’s, had followed a similar path to prove his pre-match fitness by playing a game for Sussex Second XI.
Anderson was in XI for the first test in Edgbaston, but dropped only four overs before a calf injury that stopped him from testing Ireland against Lord’s flared up again. He wants in the second XI game before the fourth test in Old Trafford – his home stadium – from September 4 to prove his willingness to play.
England Squad For 3rd Test | Headingley, Leeds, England
Joe Root (c), Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jack Leach, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes
