Ashes:Eng announce team against Aussies; Archer rested

England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Wednesday announced the team for the first Ashes Test against Australia, starting at Edgbaston on Thursday.

Joe Root will lead the England team while the likes of Jos Buttler, James Anderson and all-rounder Ben Stokes returned to the team after a shaky performance against Ireland, ECB’s official website said.

Meanwhile, England pace bowler Jofra Archer, who played a huge role in England’s triumphant World Cup campaign by taking 20 wickets, was not in the squad after failing to recover from an injury.

Another pace bowler Olly Stone and all-rounder Sam Curran also missed out from the the initial 14-man squad selected for the first game in the five match series.

Australia are the incumbent winners of the Ashes after winning the series 4-0 Down Under in 2017-18.

England team for first Ashes Test: Rory Burns, Jason Roy, Joe Root (c), Joe Denly, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, James Anderson.