1st XI for The Ashes (assuming everyone is fit) for the 1st Test
Crawley
Duckett/Bairstow
Pope
Root
Bairstow/Leach
Stokes
Foakes
Wood
Archer
Broad
Anderson
1st XI for The Ashes (assuming everyone is fit) for the 1st Test
Crawley
Duckett/Bairstow
Pope
Root
Bairstow/Leach
Stokes
Foakes
Wood
Archer
Broad
Anderson
Depends on Bairstow on how he responds on return from injury. Tough to just to pick up where he left off. Definitely would be keeping Foakes. Robinson and Brooke have to play as well. Archer and Stokes would be a risk as both are under injury clouds (of course Stokes plays regardless of whether he can bowl). Broad and Anderson to rotate, I reckon. Not too fussed if Leach plays or not.
It won't happen, obv, but the ideal solution would be to have Root opening like he used to. Didn't he score 180 opening with Cook that first Ashes when we dropped Compton? Think he got out playing a scoop shot or something.
He opened in CC, has proved he can open in tests against the Aussies with a new Dukes ball. Has got the defence and can build an innings while also being able to score at Bazball rates when he's in without simply slogging.
Brooke and YJB at 4 and 5. Stokes and Foakes. That's a decent team. Need Stokes to be able to bowl, though. And are crying out for a Swann who is a top drawer spinner who can bat at 8.
But apparently Brooke pre-call up had been talking to YCCC about opening as he thought that would give him the best chance of breaking into the England XI. Pity it didn't happen cos he says his fave shot is the forward defensive that sees the ball dribble to point.
If we could replace Zak with the opener Root was before we moved him to no. 4 we'd be sorted.
But I worry that if Stokes doesn't bowl and we pick Leach when it's not turning, then it's too much for 3 seamers. JA, Ollie and Archer?