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Jonny Bairstow misses out on a place in England squad for first Ashes Test after disastrous warm-up showing with the bat… as late call between Jack Leach and Mark Wood looks set to be made at the toss at the Gabba
- The initial 12-man England squad for the first Ashes Test has been named
- Jonny Bairstow has missed out on a spot as a batsman in Joe Root’s side
- A decision over whether Jack Leach or Mark Wood starts will be made at the toss
England have omitted Jonny Bairstow from their 12-man squad for tonight’s first Ashes Test at Brisbane, and look set to choose between fast bowler Mark Wood and spinner Jack Leach before naming their XI at the toss.
Bairstow had been in contention for the final batting place in Joe Root’s team, but failed twice during England’s chaotic warm-up game over the weekend, leaving the path clear for Surrey’s Ollie Pope to build on the 81 he made against India at The Oval in England’s most recent Test, in September.
With showers expected throughout the first Test, and the first sightings of the Gabba pitch revealing a generous covering of grass, Root and head coach Chris Silverwood must decide what role, if any, Leach can fill with his left-arm spin.
Jonny Bairstow has been left out of the England initial squad for the first Ashes Test
He has not played a Test since leading England’s attack in India in February and March, though the return of Ben Stokes improves his chances of playing at the Gabba, where the sun was shining on Tuesday.
If Wood is picked instead, England would be going in with five seamers – Stokes included – and only Root to bowl his part-time off-breaks. It is a luxury they will have to think carefully…
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Source : dailymail
