England’s Playing XI for 3rd Ashes Test: Jimmy Anderson faces the axe after two failures, Moeen Ali recalled

England have made three changes to their Playing XI ahead of the third Ashes Test.

England’s Playing XI for 3rd Ashes Test: Jimmy Anderson faces the axe after two failures, Moeen Ali recalled

Jimmy Anderson, Moeen Ali (Images via ESPN, TOI)

England announced their playing XI for the third Ashes Test on Wednesday (5 July). Veteran pacer Jimmy Anderson who could not perform as per the expectations in the first two games has been dropped while Moeen Ali has been called back. The all-rounder was dropped for the Lord’s Test after he injured his finger in the first Test. 

Ollie Pope, who was ruled out from the Ashes series owing to a shoulder injury has been replaced by Ali. Meanwhile, Marok Wood has come for Anderson. Josh Tongue, who had a decent enough outing with five wickets in the second Ashes Test has also been dropped. Fast bowling all-rounder Chris Woakes has replaced Tongue. 

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England Playing XI for 3rd Ashes Test: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, Joe Root, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Ben Stokes (C), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood, Ollie Robinson

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Who will bat at No.3 for England?

joe root harry brook moeen ali
Joe Root, Harry Brook, Moeen Ali (Images via The Independent, The Guardian)

With Ollie Pope ruled out, Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes will have to think about who they want to bat at No.3. There are quite a few options available. Zak Crawley has batted at No.3 for England on quite a few occasions. Other options are Joe Root and Harry Brook. 

While it is reported that Brook is the first choice, considering how England have made decisions in the last two games, there might be a surprise for the fans. Moeen Ali, who has been recalled can be asked to bat higher up the order while keeping the rest of the batting order same. 

The all-rounder has batted at the No.3 position in Test cricket in four games, accumulating 87 runs. Although the numbers might not seem encouraging, Ali can unleash his attacking self and let the Bazball in him take center stage.

Notably, the third Ashes Test kicks off on 6 July at Headingley, Leeds. Ben Stokes and Co. will look to win the game and fight their way back into the series where they are trailing 0-2.

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