England name 16-member squad for first two Ashes Tests

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) named a 16-member squad for the first two Tests of the Ashes 2023.

England name 16-member squad for first two Ashes Tests

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has named a 16-man selection for the first two Ashes 2023 Tests. Notably, the selection panel has not made any changes to the squad that competed in the One-off Test against Ireland at Lord's Cricket Ground in London.

On Monday, June 12, following the conclusion of the One-Test against Ireland, the English red-ball contingent will travel to Birmingham. After reporting to the venue on Tuesday, June 13, the team will commence practicing at the Edgbaston.

Notably, veteran pacer James Anderson, who suffered a'mild strain' to his right groin, has been included in the lineup. In addition, the ECB did not risk the veteran pacer during the One-off Test against Ireland, although he was included in the squad, as he warmed the bench in order to recuperate fully for the crucial English summer.

Ben Stokes will captain the team due to injury concerns, while Ollie Pope will continue as Vice Captain. Ben Stokes will continue to represent the side, while Ollie Pope will continue to serve as vice-captain, as they were in the One-off Test against Ireland. Josh Tongue, who made his international début against Ireland, will continue to bowl alongside Stuart Broad, Matthew Potts, James Anderson, Ollie Robinson, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, and Jack Leach. Ben Foakes, on the other hand, has once again been overlooked by the selectors and will remain on the periphery.

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The first Test between the Three Lions and arch-rivals Australia is scheduled to begin on June 16 at Edgbaston in Birmingham. The second Test will be contested at Lord's in London on June 28. During the first two encounters of the Ashes in 2023, the selectors are likely to determine their Test lineup for the remainder of the series. 

England squad for first two Ashes Tests: Ben Stokes (c), James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Josh Tongue