Jofra Archer in squad for first Ashes Test

Jofra Archer could make his Test debut after being named in England’s 14-man squad for next week’s first Specsavers Ashes Test at Edgbaston.

After impressing in England’s successful ICC Cricket World Cup campaign, Sussex fast bowler Jofra Archer is called up to the Test squad for the first time. The 24-year-old returned to action for Sussex last night in the Vitality Blast after a sore left side. His readiness for five-day cricket will be assessed at Edgbaston. Since making his senior debut in 2016, Archer has played 28 First-class matches taking 131 wickets at 23.44.

Lancashire batsman Jos Buttler and Durham all-rounder Ben Stokes return to the Test squad having been rested for the Ireland Test at Lord’s.

Somerset’s Lewis Gregory and Jack Leach miss out having been selected in the Test squad for the victory over Ireland this week.

Leach, who is not part of Somerset’s Vitality Blast squad, will train with the Test squad in the run-up to the Edgbaston Test.

Lancashire seamer Jimmy Anderson is making good progress in his rehabilitation from his right calf injury and is expected to be fit for the first Test.

Meanwhile, Colin Graves, Chairman of the ECB, has approved the reappointment of Ben Stokes as Test vice-captain following the recommendation from Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket Ashley Giles and ECB Chief Executive Tom Harrison. Stokes returns to the role for the first time since September 2017 and assumes responsibility from Jos Buttler.

Commenting on the selection of the squad, National Selector Ed Smith, said: “Though it is unusual to select a squad of 14 for a home Test, there are compelling reasons to do so here. Several bowlers are recovering from injuries or niggles. In addition, some bowlers who played in the World Cup are being closely monitored to assess their preparation for Test match cricket.

“The wider circumstances - a successful home World Cup campaign followed so quickly by a home Ashes series - are unprecedented. It feels sensible to select an expanded squad and leave a number of bowling options open for the final team selection.”

The squad will report to Birmingham on Monday.

England first Test squad versus Australia:

Joe Root (Yorkshire) captain

Moeen Ali (Worcestershire)

Jimmy Anderson (Lancashire)

Jofra Archer (Sussex)

Jonny Bairstow (Yorkshire)

Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire)

Rory Burns (Surrey)

Jos Buttler (Lancashire)

Sam Curran (Surrey)

Joe Denly (Kent)

Jason Roy (Surrey)

Ben Stokes (Durham) vice-captain

Olly Stone (Warwickshire)

Chris Woakes (Warwickshire)