Stuart Broad included as England name 17-man Ashes squad

Ten of England’s 17-man squad will be touring Australia for the first time while Ben Stokes was not available for selection as he continues his indefinite break from cricket

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England have named their 17-man squad for the 2021-22 Ashes with pace bowler Stuart Broad included in the travelling party.

The 35-year-old, who will be embarking on his fourth Ashes tour, injured his right calf during England’s recent Test series against India but is reportedly making excellent progress in his recovery. Broad is set to return to bowling at the ECB’s performance centre in Loughborough, where the Ashes and Lions squads will prepare for the Australia tour, next week.

Joe Root will captain England on an overseas Ashes tour for the second time in his career, supported by vice-captain Jos Buttler, who is one of 10 players who will be touring Australia for the first time.

Sam Curran has not been considered due to injury while Ben Stokes was also not available for selection. The allrounder has taken an indefinite break from cricket to prioritise his mental wellbeing and rehabilitate his injured left index finger.

Dom Sibley, who was dropped after two matches during the India series and recently lost his central red-ball contract, also misses out.

As confirmed on October 8, the Ashes tour is subject to several conditions being met by Cricket Australia before the team travels on November 4. However, positive discussions with the ECB and Cricket Australia are ongoing.

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Ben Stokes (L) was not available for selection while Jos Buttler (R) is set to tour Australia for the first time

Commenting on the squad, head coach, Chris Silverwood, said: "A tour of Australia is the pinnacle as an England Test cricketer. I am delighted that all of our available players have committed to the tour. We are looking forward to touring and enjoying the experience of this historic series.

"This is why we play and coach to be involved in iconic series like this. More than half of our squad haven't featured in an Ashes tour before, which means we will be fresh and looking to embrace the cricket and the excitement of touring one of the best places in the world.

"I believe we have selected a well-balanced squad with options in all areas and a blend of youth and experience. There is real competition for places and a genuine desire to work hard and compete, aiming to create some history.

"We are under no illusions about how difficult the task is going to be. Australia have been strong at home in the past, and there is an expectation on them to win this series. However, from our point of view, there is genuine excitement and belief that we can do something special.

"Both teams are in similar positions in the Test world rankings. For that reason, it should be a compelling series. We can enjoy the build-up to the tour, get out there, and prepare well ahead of the first Test in Brisbane.

"Having the Lions with the Ashes squad will be integral to our build-up. The extended group of players will be with us before the first Test. We will play two competitive warm-up games amongst both squads to give us the match practice we need as part of our build-up. It's an excellent opportunity to connect the Lions into the England environment and gain a good understanding of what is required to play at the highest level."

The England Lions squad is yet to be announced.

England squad: Joe Root (Yorkshire, captain), James Anderson (Lancashire), Jonathan Bairstow (Yorkshire), Dom Bess (Yorkshire), Stuart Broad (Nottinghamshire), Rory Burns (Surrey), Jos Buttler (Lancashire), Zak Crawley (Kent), Haseeb Hameed (Nottinghamshire), Dan Lawrence (Essex), Jack Leach (Somerset), Dawid Malan (Yorkshire), Craig Overton (Somerset), Ollie Pope (Surrey), Ollie Robinson (Sussex), Chris Woakes (Warwickshire), Mark Wood (Durham)

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