Jimmy Anderson replaces Ollie Robinson in England’s only change for fourth Ashes Test… with Moeen Ali set to bat at three again at Old Trafford
- Jimmy Anderson has been recalled for the fourth Ashes Test against Australia
- He replaces Ollie Robinson in England’s only change from the third Test
- Moeen Ali is set to continue at No 3 in the batting order for the hosts
England have made one change to their side for the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford with Jimmy Anderson replacing Ollie Robinson.
Anderson was ‘rested’ for England’s three-wicket win at Headingley last week, but has been brought back into the fold and is set to lead the attack at his home ground.
The 40-year-old struggled in the opening two Ashes Tests, taking just three wickets as England suffered back-to-back defeats at Edgbaston and Lord’s.
With England winning the third Test in Anderson’s absence, there may have been the temptation to stick with a winning side, but they have opted to recall their greatest-ever bowler, who has a remarkable 688 Test wickets to his name.
Robinson was always the most likely to make way after suffering a back spasm at Headingley. He declared afterwards that he was ‘100 per cent fit’ for Old Trafford, but England have decided to leave him out of the must-win match.
Jimmy Anderson has been recalled to England’s XI for the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford
Ollie Robinson suffered a back spasm at Headingley and has been left out of the fourth Test
Moeen Ali is set to bat at three for England once more in the fourth Test at Old Trafford
England have also made the decision to stick with Moeen Ali at three in the batting order, despite the all-rounder making just five in England’s second innings at Headingley.
The hosts initially opted to promote Harry Brook to three in the first innings after Ollie Pope was ruled out of the rest of the series due to a dislocated shoulder.
However, Brook struggled and made just three, leading to a reshuffle for England’s run chase, with captain Ben Stokes revealing Ali put himself forward to move up the order.
The bold move did not work for Ali as he was bowled by Mitchell Starc after adding just five to England’s total, but it paid off for Brook who made 75 to steer the team to a narrow win to keep the Ashes alive.
Brook will now stay in his favoured No 5 position, as England look to level the series to set up a thrilling finale at the Oval.
England XI to face Australia at Old Trafford: Crawley, Duckett, Ali, Root, Brook, Stokes (captain), Bairstow (wicketkeeper), Woakes, Wood, Broad, Anderson
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