England have confirmed their team for the opening match of the 2019 Ashes series, as Jofra Archer misses out on a Test debut.
Archer, star of England’s World Cup win, was named in the original 14-man squad for the Edgbaston clash, which begins on Thursday, but management have decided against risking him so soon after a side strain.
The decision means that Chris Woakes, who took six wickets in the win over Ireland last week, gets the nod on his home ground, joining stalwarts Stuart Broad and James Anderson, back from a calf injury, in the seam bowling attack.
As announced earlier this week, Root will move up the order to bat at number three, with Surrey pair Jason Roy and Rory Burns opening, and Joe Denly at four.
Jos Buttler and Ben Stokes return to the side having been rested for the Ireland Test, with Jonny Bairstow wearing the gloves at seven and Moeen Ali playing as the sole front-line spinner.
All-rounder Sam Curran and fast bowler Olly Stone are the other members of the provisional squad to miss out.
England XI: Rory Burns, Jason Roy, Joe Root (c), Joe Denly, Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow, Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, James Anderson.
