MX23RW : Friday, July 5 19:01:37| >> :600:462855:462855:

England select Ollie Pope for Ashes opener, James Anderson left out

England select Pope for Ashes opener, no Anderson
© Reuters
James Anderson is left out of England's opening Ashes Test match with Australia, while Ollie Pope gets the nod in the middle order.

James Anderson has been left out of England's 12-man squad for the opening Ashes Test match with Australia.

The 39-year-old, who had never been regarded as a certain starter in Brisbane, has been carrying a minor calf injury during the early weeks of the trip down under.

However, England's decision is seemingly based on keeping the veteran fresh for the second match in Adelaide, which starts four days after the conclusion of the Brisbane contest.

Ollie Pope has also been given the nod in the middle order over Jonny Bairstow, the 23-year-old keeping his spot on the back of producing a knock of 81 in the final game with India in September.

While England are yet to confirm their starting XI, one of Mark Wood or Jack Leach are seemingly likely to miss out when the game gets underway on Wednesday.

England squad in full: Joe Root, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Haseeb Hameed, Jack Leach, Dawid Malan, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood

ID:472162:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect1655:

Click here for more stories about Ollie Pope

Click here for more stories about England

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Jack Leach hits a four for England on July 25, 2019
Read Next:
Jos Buttler and Jack Leach return as England bid to salvage India series
>
rhs 2.0
Euro 2024 fixtures header
Friday, July 5
 
8pm
Quarter-Finals
Portugal
vs.
France
Saturday, July 6
 
5pm
 
8pm
Tuesday, July 9
Wednesday, July 10
Sunday, July 14


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!