(Cricket news) England have been flying in Test cricket ever since Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes took charge. The ‘Bazball’ phenomenon has gone from an experiment to a proven way to play the longest form of the game. Now England face their toughest challenge in the Ashes at home.

The Australian team fresh off a triumph in the World Test Championship final against India will be raring to go. The last Ashes down under was a thumping 4-0 win for Australia while the one before that one in England was a 2-2 draw. Australia haven’t won an Ashes in England since 2001 so it will be a difficult task. England have taken a bold step by announcing the line-up 2 days before the game which shows their confidence.

England’s ideal playing XI:

Openers: Zak Crawley & Ben Duckett

This series is a big test for both of these openers. They will most probably start the series but by the fifth Test match, Crawley and/or Duckett may be dropped. Dan Lawrence is knocking on the door to get a chance. Opening partnerships as always will be crucial in English conditions and a good one will allow the incredible middle order to flourish.

Middle order: Ollie Pope, Joe Root & Harry Brook

England’s middle order has been breathing fire in the ‘Bazball’ era. It may look like aimless slogging but it has been much more planned than that. Jonny Bairstow has recovered from his injury and started keeping wickets again which allows Harry Brook to keep his place. Root on the other hand has been in great form and England will need him to fire in this series. Ollie Pope has settled down really well at number 3 and he is likely to keep that place for a long time.

Wicketkeeper: Jonny Bairstow

Before he broke his leg just before the T20 World Cup, Bairstow was the best Test batter in the world. His injury gave a chance to Harry Brook who took it with both hands. Bairstow will now have to keep wickets which may affect his batting a little. There will be added responsibility and work load but it will work wonders for the team.

All-rounders: Ben Stokes & Moeen Ali

Stokes’ role as an all-rounder is a doubt given his issues with bowling fitness. The England skipper has said that he will do everything possible to be ready to bowl in the first Test match itself but there is no guarantee. An injury to Jack Leach has opened the door for Moeen Ali to come of Test retirement. His inclusion in the team means that England has batting depth till number 8 but his bowling will have to be better. Even before his retirement, Moeen’s bowling in Tests was sub-par but now it can’t be because he will be a front-line bowler.

Seamers: James Anderson, Stuart Broad & Ollie Robinson 

Despite being 40 and 36 years of age respectively, James Anderson and Stuart Broad are still undroppable. If fit they will play all the Test matches despite other good pacers being in the squad. The choice of a third seamer was indeed a very tough one but Ollie Robinson has got the nod. England have left out a lot of pace in the form of Mark Wood but Robinson’s accuracy will be very important.

Bench: Dan Lawrence, Matthew Potts, Mark Wood, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes

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