England announce squad for first two Tests of Ashes 2023

England have announced a 16-man squad for the opening two matches of the upcoming Ashes series starting later this month. The team has decided to stick with the same group of 16 players that featured in the solitary Test against Ireland for the first two Ashes Tests. Josh Tong, who made an impressive Test debut against Ireland, managed to retain his place in the team despite the return of James Anderson and Ollie Robinson, who were ruled out of the first Lord’s Test.

England have a formidable pace attack led by the experienced Anderson, who is expected to be fit for the first Test, and supported by Stuart Broad. Mark Wood, Matthew Potts and Chris Woakes have also been included in the squad along with Tongue. The bowling fitness of Ben Stokes remains uncertain, but head coach Brendon McCullum expressed optimism about his progress, adding that Stokes may be able to contribute with the ball at some point during the summer.

16 players to take on Aussies at Edgbaston and Lord’s ________

bring it on. #Ashes pic.twitter.com/ndlxpGsqm4– England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 3, 2023

Jonny Bairstow, who returned to the Ireland Test after a gap of nine months, will resume his wicketkeeping duties. Meanwhile, Jack Crawley, who showed glimpses of a return to form with a half-century in the first innings at Lord’s, retained his position as opener alongside Ben Duckett, who impressed with a fine 182 against Ireland. Dan Lawrence has also cemented his place in the team as a reserve batsman. England’s primary challenge will be selecting their pace attack for the first Test, as they have several options.

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.