Archer in line to debut in Ashes opener

Jofra Archer's whirlwind introduction to international cricket has continued after earning selection in England's Ashes squad for the first Test against Australia.

Archer, England's death-bowling hero in their recent World Cup final win, was picked in a 14-man squad for the opening Test at Edgbaston having recovered from a side injury.

The slippery right-armer, England's leading wicket taker at the World Cup despite having only made his international debut in May, hasn't played a four-day match since September last year.

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England Test squad for first Ashes Test: Joe Root (c), Moeen Ali, Jimmy Anderson, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes (vc), Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.

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But a first-class bowling record of 131 wickets at 23.44 in just 28 games underlines his effectiveness with the red ball.

Archer, who returned to the bowling crease in a county T20 for Sussex this week, could form a potent pace attack alongside swing king Jimmy Anderson.

Anderson, England's all-time leading wicket taker, missed the recent Test against Ireland at Lord's with a right calf injury but is expected to be fit to take on the Aussies.

The squad also sees the return of Ben Stokes to the vice-captaincy, having been stripped of the title in the wake of his alleged involvement in a brawl in September 2017.

Stokes replaces Jos Buttler in the role, with both players returning to the Test squad after sitting out the Ireland match to rest following their World Cup win.

There was no place for Jack Leach in the squad despite the left-arm spinner being named player of the match against Ireland this week, with allrounder Moeen Ali the only spin option included.

Olly Stone, who made his Test debut against Ireland, has kept his spot in the squad, as did allrounder Sam Curran, though uncapped fellow paceman Lewis Gregory has been omitted.

The recent injuries to the likes of Anderson and Archer, coupled with the heavy workload their limited-overs stars have had to take on in the first half of the northern summer, led to England desiring a larger-than-normal squad to pick from for the opening Ashes encounter.

"Though it is unusual to select a squad of 14 for a home Test, there are compelling reasons to do so here," chief selector Ed Smith explained.

"Several bowlers are recovering from injuries or niggles. In addition, some bowlers who played in the World Cup are being closely monitored to assess their preparation for Test match cricket.

"The wider circumstances - a successful home World Cup campaign followed so quickly by a home Ashes series - are unprecedented.

"It feels sensible to select an expanded squad and leave a number of bowling options open for the final team selection."

2019 Qantas Ashes Tour of England

Australia squad: Tim Paine (c), Cameron Bancroft, Pat Cummins, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Peter Siddle, Steven Smith, Mitchell Starc, Matthew Wade, David Warner.

First Test: August 1-5,Edgbaston

Tour match: Australians v Worcestershire, August 7-9

Second Test: August 14-18,Lord's

Third Test: August 22-26, Headingley

Tour match: Australians v Derbyshire, August 29-31

Fourth Test: September 4-8, Old Trafford

Fifth Test: September 12-16, The Oval