Ashes 2019: Ben Stokes uncertain to bowl as England name squad for the Oval Test

England snatched defeat from the jaws of victory in the third Ashes Test at the Old Trafford in Manchester. Their triumph denied Australia from taking a lead and therefore, retain the trophy. Joe Root and Co were in a similar sort of position in the fourth Test at the Headingley in Leeds as well, but couldn’t repeat the heroics. The Three Lions lost the game by 185 runs.

Having already shelled the chances of winning the Ashes, the Brits have named an unchanged squad for the fifth and final Test, starting September 12 at the Kennington Oval in London. If the hosts don’t secure a victory then the Aussies would be winning the overseas Ashes after 18 years since 2018. Ahead of the next match, there are concerns over all-rounder Ben Stokes.

The New Zealand-born injured his right shoulder and didn’t bowl in England’s second innings. If he doesn’t get fit to bowl, then he would play as a specialist batsman. In that scenario, Sam Curran and Chris Woakes comes into the contention for being in the playing eleven. The injury seemed to have affected his batting as well, getting out cheaply to Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.

Jason Roy given one more chance

The move to send Jason Roy didn’t quite work out, though Joe Denly managed to get a half-century, opening the batting. Roy only has 110 runs at an average of 13.75. Joe Root got a 71 in the first innings, but perished for a duck in the second. He’ll desperately be looking for some consistency. Jonny Bairstow and Jos Buttler have looked vulnerable with the bat in hand as well.

Root has confirmed that he’s the right man to lead the side despite failing to win the Ashes in the second attempt. It’s also Trevor Bayliss’ last match as the head coach of the England national team. He’ll return to his native Australia. Ashley Giles, England’s director of cricket, will be beginning the new recruitment process to replace Bayliss.

Here is the squad: 

Joe Root (C), Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jack Leach, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Craig Overton, Jason Roy.

Watch: 10 Expensive cars owned by Indian cricketers