James Anderson in place of Ollie Robinson is the only change in the England XI for the fourth Ashes Test starting at Old Trafford in Manchester on July 19. This was announced by the England and Wales Cricket Board on Monday. Australia lead the five-match series 2-1.
Despite being available for the Manchester Test, Robinson has made way for veteran Anderson, who was kept out of the XI in the previous Test won by England. He took 10 wickets in the first three Tests. Anderson, England’s leading wicket-taker of all time, will return to the XI at his home ground. In the batting line-up, Moeen Ali will be promoted to No 3, allowing Harry Brook to go back to No 5.
A draw at Old Trafford would be sufficient for Australia to retain the Ashes, making it a must-win game for England in the last Test to square the series.
England XI for 4th Test
Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Moeen Ali, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jonny Bairstow (wicketkeeper), Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Stuart Broad, James Anderson.