England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) named a 12-man squad for the first Ashes Test starting at The Gabba, Brisbane on Wednesday (December 8). All-rounder Ben Stokes has made a comeback to the side.

Stokes was on a mental health break and he also underwent a couple of surgeries on his left index finger after sustaining an injury during the Indian Premier League in April.

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England batters Haseeb Hameed, Dawid Malan, Ollie Pope, and Rory Burns have found a place in the 12-man squad. The team will be led by full-time Test captain Joe Root, with a stalwart like Jos Buttler also featuring in the squad. Jonny Bairstow missed out on selection.

The fast bowling attack includes Ollie Robinson, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, and the veteran pacer Stuart Broad. Experienced speedster James Anderson has been rested for the first Ashes Test to manage his workload.

The team management will decide the final playing eleven for the first Test match against Australia at the toss. England are looking to regain the Ashes after Australia retained it in 2019 with a 2-2 series draw. 

England Men's Squad for first Ashes Test: Joe Root (c), Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Haseeb Hameed, Jack Leach, Dawid Malan, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.