England resist temptation to reinforce Ashes squad ahead of third Test

The expectation is for changes at Headingley, however, with Mark Wood primed to enter the series, while Chris Woakes' continued presence in the squad suggests that there is a role to play for the experienced allrounder

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England have resisted any temptation to reinforce their squad ahead of the third Ashes Test, instead sticking with the same core that has started the series.

Ollie Pope, who struggled with a shoulder issue suffered in the field on day one at Lord's, is included, as is Dan Lawrence, who is nominally the reserve batter.

Seamers Ollie Robinson, Stuart Broad and James Anderson are also named, with England having named the same attack in each of the first two Tests.

The expectation is for changes at Headingley, however, with Mark Wood primed to enter the series, while Chris Woakes' continued presence in the squad suggests that there is a role to play for the experienced allrounder.

Josh Tongue keeps his place after impressing at Lord's, while Matt Potts has been left out along with Rehan Ahmed.

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Chris Woakes is part of the squad for the third Test (Getty Images)

Rehan's omission is perhaps a sign that England are more confident in Moeen Ali's fitness to bowl than they were at Lord's, when the veteran off-spinner was left out, having struggled with a blister on his spinning finger at Edgbaston.

On that basis – should England decide to select a specialist spinner – Moeen could come back into the side, while Jonny Bairstow retains the gloves with no alternative called in.

England squad: Ben Stokes, Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Joe Root, Josh Tongue, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood


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