RE:VIEW
Three Wisden writers pick their England XI for the first Test of the men’s Ashes at Edgbaston, beginning on June 16
“ Ben Stokes is Ben Stokes, and so will happily take on the job no one else wants. His workload as opener and fourth seamer is a concern, but I don’t think we’re in for many all-day grindcore blockathons from him
BEN GARDNER
BEN GARDNER
Wisden.com managing editor
1. Stokes 2. Duckett 3. Pope 4. Root 5. Bairstow 6. Brook 7. Foakes 8. Robinson 9. Wood 10. Leach 11. Anderson There’s lots that could change between now and the first Test – Bairstow’s injury recovery could stall, Foakes’ niggle could persist, Crawley’s form could outstrip Duckett’s – but for now, this is where I am. Ben Stokes is Ben Stokes, and so will happily take on the job no one else wants. His workload as opener and fourth seamer is a concern, but I don’t think we’re in for many grindcore blockathons from him. The attack is contingent on Stokes getting his wish for “fast, flat wickets” – if conditions are more traditional, Broad comes in for Wood. All of those seamers have the tools to create something when the pitch is doing nothing, and if a partnership does build, Leach is a worthy toiler to stem the flow. It’s an XI that can challenge Australia.