England assembled at Lord’s on Monday ahead of their four-day Test against Ireland with intrigue surrounding the make-up of their six-man bowling attack.
James Anderson’s calf injury puts his participation in doubt, but he has played football and been involved in all fielding exercises at England’s camp this weekend, which took place at St George’s Park, the national football centre. England are unlikely to take any risks with the Ashes just 10 days away.
If Anderson does not play, it is likely England will have three debutants: Jason Roy opening the batting, plus Somerset’s Lewis Gregory and Warwickshire’s Olly Stone among the seamers. It is possible that Jack Leach could play as a second spinner ahead of one of those two.
After playing all 11 matches in the victorious World Cup campaign, Chris Woakes will have his bowling workload limited, and Anderson could receive the same treatment. Australia begin their Ashes preparation on Tuesday with an inter-squad four-day match at the Ageas Bowl in Southampton that will determine their selection.
