James Anderson replaces Ollie Robinson in England side for Old Trafford Ashes Test

Anderson was dropped for the third game of the series but returns in place of the Sussex seamer, who experienced back issues during the victory at Headingley

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James Anderson will replace Ollie Robinson in the England XI for the fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford.

Anderson was dropped for the third game of the series but returns in place of the Sussex seamer, who experienced back issues during the victory at Headingley.

The switch is the only change for England, who need to win in Manchester to retain hopes of regaining The Ashes. Chris Woakes and Mark Wood keep their places, while Jonny Bairstow stays on behind the stumps.

Moeen Ali, meanwhile, will continue to bat at No.3. Moeen requested a chance up the order for the second innings at Leeds. While he only made 5, he has been given another shot by head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes. 

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James Anderson comes back into the England XI at Old Trafford [Getty Images]

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Ollie Robinson drops out of the side [Getty Images]

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Moeen Ali will bat at No.3 [Getty Images]

England had the opportunity to bring Dan Lawrence into the XI but once again resisted, meaning Moeen - who was officially retired from Test cricket just six weeks ago - now occupies a critical batting role in a pivotal Ashes Test. 

He has made 63 runs from four innings so far in the series, having played two of the three Tests.

The experiment of elevating Harry Brook into the role made vacant because of the shoulder injury sustained by Ollie Pope lasted just one innings.

Brook returned to No.5 for the second innings at Headingley, where he made a crucial half-century in England's successful run chase.

England's three-wicket win in the third Test followed defeats at Lord's and Edgbaston. 

Josh Tongue is the other player from England's 14-man squad not to be included in the XI for the game at Old Trafford, which is due to get under way on Wednesday. 

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