Jofra Archer named in squad for first Ashes Test as Ben Stokes reinstated as vice-captain

The 24-year-old fast bowler has been called up to the Test squad for the first time after recovering from a sore side, while allrounder Stokes and wicketkeeper Jos Buttler return after being rested against Ireland

England fast bowler Jofra Archer has been called up to the Test squad for the first time and allrounder Ben Stokes has been reinstated as vice-captain ahead of the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston.

Archer, 24, has been named in the England red-ball 14-man squad for the first Ashes contest on August 1 after recovering from a sore side, and he has already returned to action for Sussex after taking two wickets in their dramatic T20 Blast tie with Surrey on Friday night.

Allrounder Stokes, who returns to the role of vice-captain for the first time since September 2017, and wicketkeeper batsman Jos Buttler, who Stokes has replaced as Joe Root's right-hand man, come back into the squad having been rested for the Test victory over Ireland at Lord's.

There is however less good news for Somerset duo Lewis Gregory and Jack Leach, who have both missed out on selection having been named in the squad for, and in the latter's case, participated in the Ireland game.

^{Jack Leach has missed out on the squad despite his performance against Ireland}

Leach however will train with the Test squad in the build up to the Edgbaston Test match as he does not form part of his county's T20 Blast outfit.

Lancashire seamer Jimmy Anderson is also said to be "making good progress" in his rehabilitation from a right calf injury and is expected to be fit for the first Test.

On the squad announcement, national selector Ed Smith said: "Though it is unusual to select a squad of 14 for a home Test, there are compelling reasons to do so here. 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."

England squad for first Ashes Test match

Joe Root (captain), Moeen Ali, Jimmy Anderson, Jofra Archer, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler (wicketkeeper), Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Jason Roy, Ben Stokes (vice-captain), Olly Stone, Chris Woakes

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