Jason Roy has been called up to make his England Test debut — and Jimmy Anderson will be handed a 'live' Ashes fitness Test – against Ireland at Lord's next week.
In the clearest sign yet that Roy will open the batting against the Aussies as England try to win back the famous urn, the Surrey batsman – who has provided such thrilling rocket fuel for England's World Cup triumph in recent weeks – is included in a 13-man squad for the inaugural Test against the Irish pioneers.
Privately, England's think-tank had earmarked Roy for a Test place after struggling to find an opening pair who possess the chemistry and adhesion to frustrate Australia's battery of pace bowlers.
Roy averaged 63.29 in his seven World Cup innings, scoring four 50s and one century.
The four-day game, starting at Lord's on Wednesday (July 24), will also be a chance for England's record wicket-taker Anderson to prove he has recovered from the calf strain he suffered on county duty for Lancashire while his ODI mates were on their way to glory.
World Cup Final hero batsmen Ben Stokes and Jos Buttler are rested, while fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Mark Wood – who both suffered side strains in Sunday's dramatic Super Over win against New Zealand – were both not considered on fitness grounds.
Joe Root will regain the captain's pips from white-ball leader Eoin Morgan, while fast bowler Stuart Broad will be given a gallop against Ireland to state his case for inclusion in the first Specsavers Ashes Test, which begins at Edgbaston on Thursday, August 1.
ENGLAND SQUAD
To face Ireland in a four-day Test at Lord's, starting next Wednesday
Joe Root (captain), Moeen Ali, Jimmy Anderson, Jonny Bairstow, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Sam Curran, Joe Denly, Lewis Gregory, Jack Leach, Jason Roy, Olly Stone, Chris Woakes.
