The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) named the England playing XI for the fourth Test match against Australia in the ongoing Ashes 2023 which will be played from July 19 onwards at the Old Trafford in Manchester.
There is only one change to the XI from the side that played in the third Test at Headingley as James Anderson has returned to the fold, replacing Ollie Robinson. Anderson was rested for England's victory in the third Test at Headingley after taking three wickets at 75.33 in the first two Tests.
However, Robinson faced fitness issues in the third Test, breaking down in the first innings, and though he had announced he was fit for the Manchester Test, England decided to go with their highest Test wicket-taker.
Stokes, England's captain, hinted at Anderson's inclusion in Manchester before the Headingley Test, saying Anderson would have the opportunity to get some rest and prepare "to charge in from the James Anderson End at Old Trafford next week".
While there was no change in the batter, there has been on a significant shift in the batting order, as Moeen Ali has been promoted to the no.3 spot where Harry Brook batted in the first two Tests.
But in the second innings of the Headingley Test, Ali requested to bat at no.3 and Brook returned to his preferred no.5 spot and played a match-winning knock of 75.
Chris Woakes and Mark Wood, who dismantled the Australian batting in Leeds will continue to lead the pace attack with Broad and Anderson for company.
England XI for the fourth Test:
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Moeen Ali, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Stuart Broad, James Anderson
(ECB inputs)
