ENGLAND CONFIRM BALL IN TEAM FOR ASHES FIRST TEST

Craig Overton misses out as Jake Ball recovers from injury to play in Brisbane

England have named their team for the first Ashes Test and it's good news for Jake Ball.

The Nottinghamshire seamer, who had been an injury doubt at one stage after limping out of a warm-up match with a sprained ankle, is included in the XI for the clash at the Gabba.

That means Craig Overton, the Somerset paceman, is still waiting for his first Test cap.

Captain Joe Root said: "It wasn't an easy decision. Craig has come into the squad and everything asked of him he's done really well.

"All the players on their first tour have impressed and it's great that the whole squad seems to be performing.

^{Jake Ball will join Jimmy Anderson, Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes in England's pace attack}

"Jake has bowled well when he's had his opportunity on the tour and the way he goes about things on these surfaces could be really challenging for the Australians."

Mark Stoneman will open the batting with Alastair Cook, with James Vince and Dawid Malan set for Ashes debuts in the middle order.

Jonny Bairstow bats at six in the absence of Ben Stokes, with Moeen Ali and Chris Moakes at seven and eight respectively.

England XI: Cook, Stoneman, Vince, Root, Malan, Bairstow, Moeen, Woakes, Broad, Anderson, Ball

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