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‘Time to retire pal..’ – Fans react as England drop James Anderson for third Test of Ashes 2023

Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, and Mark Wood are set to play the third Test.

Jul 5, 2023 6:42 pm

England has announced its squad for the third test in Headingley where they are in dire need of a victory. Currently trailing 0-2 in the series, England must win at Leeds to stay alive in the series. England named their playing 11. England’s playing 11 for the third Test is – Zack Crawley, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, Joe Root, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Ollie Robinson, Mark Wood, and Stuart Broad.

There are three changes for England from the previous Test. Moeen Ali comes in for Ollie Pope, who dislocated his right shoulder on the first day of the second Test. The express pace bowler Mark Wood comes in for the veteran James Anderson who hasn’t had a great series with the ball till this point in time. The third change for the Test is Chris Woakes coming in for Josh Tongue, who had actually bowled well in the second Test against Australia.

Changes in England’s batting positions

As Ollie Pope was ruled out of the remainder of the series, England needed someone to replace him at number 3. While Daniel Lawrence would’ve been a like-to-like replacement, it seems like England might promote Harry Brook to bat up the order. The young sensation hasn’t been that consistent with the bat in the series till now. A higher responsibility of playing at number 3 in a must-win game will show the character of the youngster.

Moeen Ali returns to the side after missing the second test due to an injury. He will now bat at 7 where Bairstow has batted till now in the series. The experienced duo of Ben Stokes and Jonny Bairstow will likely bat a position higher at 5 and 6 respectively. Chris Woakes is a valuable addition to the side as a lower-order batter and a swing bowler. In-home conditions, Woakes averages 35.26 with the bat and 22.64 with the ball. He brings the balance to the side.