England name full-strength squad for Ashes, Buttler included

LONDON: The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Sunday named the strongest available squad for the 2021-22 Ashes with wicketkeeper and vice-captain Jos Buttler joining captain Joe Root in committing to the tour of Australia, starting in November.

Of the 17-member squad, ten will be touring Australia in an Ashes series for the first time.

As anticipated, Ben Stokes was not considered for selection as he continues to take an indefinite break from cricket to manage his well-being. The all-rounder's absence is no surprise but leaves a huge hole in Joe Root's team as they attempt to reclaim the Ashes and win in Australia for the first time in eleven years.

Stuart Broad, who tore a calf after the first Test against India in August, has also been included subject to proving his fitness in a pre-departure training camp at Loughborough. It will be Broad's fourth Ashes tour.

Meanwhile, all-rounder, Sam Curran was not considered for selection after a second scan confirmed that he has a stress fracture in his lower back.

England's fast-bowling attack is set to lack the variety due to injuries to Jofra Archer and Olly Stone. Mark Wood is the only genuine pace bowler and Ollie Robinson, Craig Overton Broad, James Anderson, and Chris Woakes have also been included in the squad.

The top three who finished the series against India - Rory Burns, Haseeb Hameed, and Dawid Malan - have all been included while Jonny Bairstow will provide wicket-keeping back-up to Buttler.

England squad for the Ashes: Joe Root (c), James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Dom Bess, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Haseeb Hameed, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood. IANS

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