Ashes 2019 | England name unchanged squad for Headingley Test
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England on Thursday named an unaltered squad for the third Ashes Test at Headingley. The draw played out at the Lord’s in a rain-curtailed match saw an unimpressive batting display but everyone has been given another chance, while James Anderson still remains sidelined, recovering from his injury.
England announced their squad for the third encounter against arch rivals Australia scheduled to start from next Thursday, deciding not to replace any of the 12 players they had picked for the face-off at Lord’s.Â
After rain had ruled out an entire day's play, the match seemed to be heading towards a stalemate for most parts until an impressive batting performance by England in the second innings followed by a late surge from its bowlers added some spice to the match. However, Australia managed to hold on eventually, ending the match at 154/6, a little more than 100 runs short of the target.
While the performance can be called impressive, Joe Denly and Jason Roy failed yet again with the bat. Denly has averaged slightly over 21 in the four innings so far, while Roy has managed only 40 runs in the two matches, with only two of those coming in the last match. However, the lack of a specialist opener has seen Roy keep his place but whereas another poor performance by Denly will most likely see them getting dropped from the squad.
On the other hand, Jofra Archer impressed on his debut in international red-ball cricket, ending with a combined five wickets in both innings. Leg-spinner Jack leach also put in a good shift, taking four scalps and helping tilt the match in his team’s favour in the second innings.
With their highest ever wicket-taker James Anderson still not fully fit, it was never a doubt if the two were going to be picked in the team. However, the 37-year old has begun his rehabilitation and will be playing for Lancashire 2nd in a three-day match starting on Tuesday. Hence, the onus will be on the duo to perform lest they are dropped if Anderson is declared fit for the match at Old Trafford.
