Archer misses out as England names Ashes first Test side

The Barbados-born quick was omitted from an original 14-man squad along with fellow pacemen Sam Curran and Olly Stone.

Jofra Archer was left out of England's playing XI for the first Ashes Test starting on Thursday.

World Cup-winner Jofra Archer will have to wait for his Test debut after the fast bowler was left out of the England side named on Wednesday for the Ashes opener against Australia at Edgbaston.

The Barbados-born quick, who has been struggling with a side injury, was omitted from an original 14-man squad along with fellow pacemen Sam Curran and Olly Stone, who both featured in last week's lone Test against Ireland.

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With the series comprising five Tests in six weeks, England has opted for caution in how it handles Archer, even though he made a sooner-than-expected return to action with Sussex in a Twenty20 match last week.

James Anderson, England's all-time leading Test wicket-taker, returns to the side following a calf injury and will team up again with regular new-ball partner Stuart Broad.

Broad and Woakes, who will be playing on his Warwickshire home ground this week, took all 10 wickets between them as Ireland was shot out for just 38 in its second innings at Lord's.

England had already settled on its top seven, with captain Joe Root confirmed to bat at number three as the host looks to shore up its struggling batting order.

All-rounders Chris Woakes and Ben Stokes will provide seam-bowling support in the match starting Thursday.

 

Australia holds the Ashes but has not won a Test series away to England since 2001.

England team for first Ashes Test:

Rory Burns, Jason Roy, Joe Root (capt), Joe Denly, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow (wkt), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, James Anderson