Jofra Archer not playing in first 2019 Ashes Test: England haven’t included their World Cup hero for the first Test of 2019 Ashes.
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England have decided to not included fast bowler Jofra Archer in the Playing XI for the first Test of the imminent Ashes 2019 series against Australia at Edgbaston. The team management have opted to pick the fast bowling trio of James Anderson, Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes instead.
ALSO READ: Predicted Playing XI | Australia | The Ashes 2019
Archer, who was England’s highest wicket-taker during their victorious campaign in the recently concluded ICC Cricket World Cup 2019, was expected to make his Test debut in the Ashes opener tomorrow. With the decision being made, expect him to make his debut later in the five-match series.
Jofra Archer not playing in first 2019 Ashes Test
Speaking during the pre-series press conference in Birmingham, England captain Joe Root was vocal about Archer not finding a spot for tomorrow’s match. Not ruling the possibility of Archer’s debut in the series, Root laid emphasis on the fast bowler’s recovery.
“Jofra [Archer] is obviously coming back from a quite serious injury. We looked to the conditions and made a decision of what we thought was the best [bowling attack] to take 20 wickets here. And also allows him time to get ready and absolutely fit and make sure his workload is up and ready to go later on in the series.
“That’d be monitored throughout the week. I think it’s important that’s continually monitored and he’s absolutely fit and fresh and ready to go,” Root was quoted as saying.
Root to bat at No. 3
It was also recently confirmed that Root will take more responsibility by batting at No. 3 in the series. Having last played at No. 3 during the Southampton Test against India last year, Root will look to take control in the otherwise inexperienced Top 4.
“I think it’s important that we spread the experience out. Gives me an opportunity to lead from the front as well. I also feel I’m now in a place where I’ve got my head around dealing with my captaincy and my batting. Been able to separate the two. Opportunity for me to make an impact at the top of the order,” Root said.
In 23 Test at No. 3, Root has scored 1,538 runs at an average of 40.47 and a strike rate of 53.62 including two centuries, 10 half-centuries and a career-best 254 (406) against Pakistan in 2016.
