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England name team for first Ashes Test

The first Test against Australia starts in Brisbane on Thursday

England captain Joe Root has confirmed the side to play in the first Ashes Test at the Gabba in Brisbane on Thursday.

The Three Lions, who hold the urn, have made two changes from the side that played in the final Ashes warm-up match against a Cricket Australia XI in Townsville.

Seamer Jake Ball has recovered from a sprained ankle to replace Craig Overton while England's leading wicket taker James Anderson comes in for spinner Mason Crane.

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Jake Ball

JakeBall

  • AKA: Bally
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  • Age: 33
  • Bowling Style: Right-arm
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  • Ball is the nephew of Bruce French, the former Nottinghamshire and England wicket-keeper
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Root said: "It wasn't an easy decision. Craig has come into the squad and everything asked of him he's done really well. All the players on their first tour have impressed and it's great that the whole squad seems to be performing.

"Jake has bowled well when he's had his opportunity on the tour and the way he goes about things on these surfaces could be really challenging for the Australians."

England team for the first Test against Australia

Joe Root (captain)

Moeen Ali

James Anderson

Jonny Bairstow

Jake Ball

Stuart Broad

Alastair Cook

Dawid Malan

Mark Stoneman

James Vince

Chris Woakes

Follow all of the team news and results during the Ashes in our England Men page.

England Ashes squad