Joe Root confirmed to bat at No.3 as England overhaul middle-order for first Ashes Test

Joe Denly will drop to No.4 while Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler are expected to swap positions for the first clash with Australia at Edgbaston

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England captain Joe Root will return to bat at No.3 for the first Ashes Test against Australia at Edgbaston starting on Thursday.

The move will see Kent's Joe Denly, in just his fourth Test outing, moved down a place as the hosts attempt to strengthen their vulnerable top order. 

"Joe Root will bat at three and I'll be batting at four," Denly said.

"He rang me the other day and told me he wanted to bat three and for me to go in at four. I think Rooty just wanted to get involved in the game, get up there and get out in the middle.

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"I'm very excited. I wasn't too fussed where I'd be batting, it's just great to be in the XI. I've batted at four before for Kent and throughout my career, so it really wasn't a big issue."

Rory Burns and Jason Roy will open the innings as they did in the first innings of the one-off Ireland Test at Lord's last week.

Allrounder Ben Stokes will shift down to six, with either Jos Buttler or Jonny Bairstow like to come in at five, with Moeen Ali to follow.

James Anderson is expected to recover from a calf problem in time to play in Birmingham, with Stuart Broad are likely to play also.

For the third seamer berth, the selectors must decide whether to risk Jofra Archer's fitness or go with Chris Woakes, Sam Curran or Olly Stone - all of whom impressed against Ireland.

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