England has made a significant change to their lineup for the crucial Fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford, bringing back James Anderson while omitting Ollie Robinson. Anderson, who had a mixed performance in the first two Tests, was rested for the victorious match at Headingley. However, he returns as the sole alteration to the XI that played in Leeds.
The veteran seamer faced challenges on the flat wicket at Edgbaston, which he referred to as his “kryptonite,” and struggled to make an impact at Lord’s as well. Despite favorable conditions on the opening morning, Anderson failed to capitalize and found it difficult to adapt to the short-ball strategies employed by both teams as the game progressed. With only three wickets at an average of 75 in those matches, the 41-year-old will be eager for improved returns on his home ground.
Meanwhile, Moeen Ali has been slated to bat at No. 3, a role he took on during the second innings in Leeds. Following Ollie Pope’s season-ending shoulder injury, Harry Brook was promoted but could only manage three runs in the first innings. Moeen, volunteering to move up the order during England’s chase, was dismissed cheaply. Subsequently, Brook returned to his regular position at No. 5 and played a crucial innings of 75 to anchor the pursuit.
With the series hanging in the balance and a nine-day break between Tests, England has placed their trust in fast bowlers Mark Wood and Chris Woakes to build on their outstanding performances at Headingley. Both players had limited red-ball cricket leading up to the series but impressed in their first outings. Wood recorded a blistering five-for in the first innings, while Woakes contributed with six wickets across the match and played a vital role with the bat to help secure England’s victory.
Maintaining a bowling-heavy balance, England has opted for a four-pronged seam attack with Stuart Broad, the series’ leading wicket-taker, completing the quartet. Broad will feature in his fifth consecutive Test of the summer.
Addressing speculations about Jonny Bairstow’s place behind the stumps, England swiftly put them to rest by announcing an unchanged squad for the Old Trafford Test, dismissing calls for Ben Foakes’ return. Bairstow will continue as the wicketkeeper, despite having missed several chances and struggling to make a significant impact with the bat since his rapid 78 in the first innings at Edgbaston.
