Ashes 2023: England name unchanged squad for 5th Test

The fifth Test of the ongoing Ashes series is going to begin on 27 July at the Kia Oval. After the fourth game ended in a draw, Australia retained the urn and now they will look to avoid a loss to win the series. While England will look for a win to level the series. So, on 24 July, the home side announced an unchanged squad for the upcoming clash. In the last game, England were much ahead going into the fifth day of play. 

But, due to rain, no play happened and the match ended in a draw. However, veteran pacer, James Anderson managed to retain his place for the last game but seeing his form in this series, questions have been raised on keeping him in the playing XI. he has bagged four wickets in six innings, at an average of 76.75. Now, regarding it, the former England cricketer, Nick Compton opened up in an interaction with Sky Sports.

“He’s given his best, as he’s always done.” – Nick Compton on James Anderson

He said: “I personally I wouldn’t [play Anderson]. Jimmy has been outstanding. He’s given his best, as he’s always done. He’s been a little bit unlucky in places, the wickets perhaps haven’t had the pace, nip and bounce that he needs. But I think going into The Oval, which is a very good wicket, I think they might need to bring back Robinson who has been England’s outstanding bowler for the last 12 months to two years. And they’ve also got Josh Tongue who did excellently in his two Test matches and has a bit more pace and bounce.”

“The Oval is a place that does have pace and bounce. You’re putting a lot in the form of Mark Wood, who has been great for two Test matches. Can you sustain that for a third Test match or would you bring in Tongue to try and support him a little bit more to get the speeds up above 80mph? I would go that route. I think it’d be very unlucky for Jimmy Anderson, but I think also conditions will prevail,” Compton concluded.

England’s squad for the fifth Test: Ben Stokes (Captain), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.