England Omit Anderson For Third Ashes Test

In one of three lineup changes, England has left out all-time leading wicket-taker James Anderson for the third Ashes Test against Australia at Headingley, which begins on Thursday.

England Omit Anderson: On Wednesday, England released a statement stating that they have “rested” both Anderson and fellow paceman Josh Tongue, and they have replaced them with express fast bowler Mark Wood and seam-bowling all-rounder Chris Woakes.

England’s team, trailing 2-0 in the five-Test series, has called up spin-bowling all-rounder Moeen Ali after their 43-run defeat at Lord’s last week in an effort to salvage the Ashes.

He takes Ollie Pope’s spot after the vice-captain’s shoulder dislocation at Lord’s resulted in a season-ending injury.

Pope’s position at No. 3 has been moved up the list to make room for Harry Brook.

The fastest bowler in Test history with the most wickets (688), Anderson has struggled in this series, taking just three wickets at more than 75 each.

The management has decided to replace Tongue in England’s pace attack following his promising performance at Lord’s, considering the three-day gap between the second and third Tests.

But in a match they must win to have a chance of recovering the Ashes, England has changed more than just its roster; they have also changed the balance of the team.

Pope’s absence leaves England practically one batsman short, but the addition of Moeen and Woakes makes the lower order stronger.

Wood’s inclusion bolsters England’s bowling attack for Headingley test

Wood was a candidate for the Lord’s team, but there were reservations about the injury-prone Durham’s heavy exertion in the days before the game.

He provides Ben Stokes, the captain, with the real fast bowler he has always desired at Headingley. Wood’s 96 mph top speed gives the assault, led by Stuart Broad and Ollie Robinson, who have taken 11 and 10 wickets in the series, respectively, a new dimension.

In the ‘Bazball’ era of England, Woakes is making his first appearance, and Moeen is back after missing Lord’s due to a badly blistered right index finger.