(Cricket news) A 17-player squad for the Ashes Tour 2021-2022 starting in November has been named by England Men’s Head Coach Chris Silverwood. Ten out of the 17 will be touring Australia for the Ashes series for the first time but all 17 have been capped at the Test level and are the strongest available squad.
England Men's Test Squad – Ashes Tour of Australia 2021-22:
Joe Root (Yorkshire) Captain, James Anderson (Lancashire), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Dom Bess (Yorkshire), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Rory Burns (Surrey), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Zak Crawley (Kent), Haseeb Hameed (Nottinghamshire), Dan Lawrence (Essex), Jack Leach (Somerset), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire), Craig Overton (Somerset), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Ollie Robinson (Sussex), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire), Mark Wood (Durham).
Stuart Broad is currently recovering from his torn right calf, the 35 year old sustained the injury during the Test series against India. He is set to return to the ECB Bowling Performance Centre in Loughborough where the squads will prepare for the Australia tour. Sam Curran is not available for selection as he has a stress fracture in his lower back while Ben Stokes continues to take an indefinite break from cricket to prioritize on mental well being.
Commenting on the squad, England Men's Head Coach Chris Silverwood, said: "A tour of Australia is the pinnacle for an England Test cricketer. I am delighted that all of our available players have committed to the tour. We are looking forward to touring and enjoying the experience of this historic series.
"This is why we play and coach to be involved in iconic series like this. More than half of our squad haven't featured in an Ashes tour before, which means we will be fresh and looking to embrace the cricket and the excitement of touring one of the best places in the world.
"I believe we have selected a well-balanced squad with options in all areas and a blend of youth and experience. There is real competition for places and a genuine desire to work hard and compete, aiming to create some history.
"We are under no illusions about how difficult the task is going to be. Australia have been strong at home in the past, and there is an expectation on them to win this series. However, from our point of view, there is genuine excitement and belief that we can do something special.
"Both teams are in similar positions in the Test world rankings. For that reason, it should be a compelling series. We can enjoy the build-up to the tour, get out there, and prepare well ahead of the first Test in Brisbane.
"Having the Lions with the Ashes squad will be integral to our build-up. The extended group of players will be with us before the first Test. We will play two competitive warm-up games amongst both squads to give us the match practice we need as part of our build-up. It's an excellent opportunity to connect the Lions into the England environment and gain a good understanding of what is required to play at the highest level."
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