England have announced an unchanged squad for the third Ashes Test which begins on Thursday (August 22).
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The sharp turnaround between the second Test, which was drawn as Australia held firm on 154 for 6 on the final day to preserve their 1-0 lead, and this Headingley feature means it was unlikely any changes were to be made, despite question marks over the form of batsmen Jason Roy and Joe Denly. Notably, James Anderson is still out.
The legendary swing bowler with 575 Test wickets to his name is making progress from the injured right calf he aggravated on the opening morning of the first Test. While he will not be around the squad as he was at Lord’s, he will step-up his rehabilitation this week by playing for Lancashire 2nd XI against Leicestershire in a three-day match which starts on Tuesday (August 20). He will then be monitored with a view to featuring in the fourth Test, at his home ground of Old Trafford, which starts on September 4.
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After the stalemate at Lord’s, the holders carry their 1-0 lead to Headingley though with question marks over whether Steve Smith will be able to feature after being pulled out of day five with concussion. If he does not feature, the two respective batting line-ups will be as close as they have been this series.
While it is likely Roy, who will keep his place for the whole series despite starting with scores of 10, 28, 0 and 2, the pressure will be on Denly to register a score of note to ensure he makes the fourth Test. The Kent batsman averages 23 in 10 innings and though he has looked relatively settled for his 85 runs this series, he has not been able to make good on his starts. Leeds will be make-or-break for the 33-year old.
Full squad: Joe Root (c), Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jack Leach, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes
