The Ashes: James Anderson Returns to England Squad for Oval Test
James Anderson missed the fourth Ashes Test due to a side strain. England lead the series 3-1 and following Saturday's victory over Australia have regained the Ashes.
- NDTVSports
- Updated: August 09, 2015 12:10 pm IST
Fast bowler James Anderson returned to the 14-man squad for the fifth and final Ashes Test beginning August 20 at the Kia Oval. Anderson, who missed the fourth Test through injury, is continuing his recovery from a side strain and will be monitored closely in the build up to the final Test in the series. (Root Climbs to No.1 Spot in Test Rankings)
National selector James Whitaker said: "James Anderson is continuing to improve and with ten days to go before the Test may be able to play a part at the Oval although with the series won we will not be taking any chances given the cricket we have in the coming months. I have no doubt the players will want a strong finish to the series and we can look forward to another entertaining Test match." (Michael Clarke to Retire | 'Brave and Daring' Leader)
England lead the series 3-1 and following Saturday's victory over Australia have regained the Ashes with one Test remaining in the series.
"On behalf of the selectors I would like to congratulate Alastair Cook, Trevor Bayliss and all involved in the last month. Regaining the Ashes is a superb achievement and is down to 18 months of hard work from the players and coaches and support from a lot of people since the last series in Australia. The contributions of so many different players at key times throughout the series so far is hugely encouraging," Whitaker added. (Australia's Ashes Jinx After Successful World Cups - Mere Numbers or Australia's Poor Skills?)
England squad for 5th Test: Alastair Cook (Captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Ian Bell, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler (wk), Steven Finn, Adam Lyth, Liam Plunkett, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Mark Wood