Ashes: Big name returns to England XI for Old Trafford Test

Ashes: England have recalled veteran Jimmy Anderson to their XI for the fourth Test against Australia at Old Trafford, Manchester.

Anderson, who missed the third Test at Headingley, will replace Ollie Robinson from the side that beat Australia by three wickets at Leeds. 

The 40-year-old’s position in the XI came under scrutiny following a combined return of just three wickets in the first two Tests, and he was subsequently rested for the crucial clash at Leeds.

However, he has been named in the XI ahead of the fourth at Old Trafford, a venue where Anderson has an excellent record – he’s picked up 37 wickets in 10 Tests at the venue, going back to 2004.

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England’s XI also confirmed Moeen Ali would bat at No.3.

Ali managed just 5 in his last outing in the position in the second innings at Leeds, but it allows Harry Brook to bat further down at his preferred No.5 slot – he scored a vital 75 in that position in Leeds. 

Australia lead the series 2-1 heading into the crucial fourth Test.  

England XI: Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Moeen Ali, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jonathan Bairstow (wk), Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Stuart Broad, James Anderson