England have named an unchanged squad for the final Ashes Test at the Kia Oval on Thursday, but will only learn if Ben Stokes is fit to bowl over the next couple of days.
England’s defeat at Old Trafford means Australia will take home the Ashes urn for the first time since 2001, having won 4-0 Down Under 18 months ago.
England, who produced a brave but ultimately futile rearguard in the fourth Test, can still level the series at the Oval, but there is likely to be some personnel change when the series ends.
For now, though, they have stuck with the same 13-man squad for the final Test. Stokes, who produced a remarkable century to level the series at Headingley a fortnight ago, injured his right shoulder and did not bowl in England’s second innings. If he is not fit to bowl he would play as a specialist batsmen with all-rounders Sam Curran and Chris Woakes in contention to come into the XI.
Joe Root last night confirmed his belief that he is the right man to lead the side, despite failing to win the Ashes at the second attempt.
Root is helped by the dearth of candidates to replace him and the fact that Trevor Bayliss is leaving his post as head coach next week.
Bayliss will return to his native Australia next Wednesday, with director of cricket Ashley Giles beginning the recruitment process to replace him in earnest now. The focus is set to switch from ODI cricket to Tests, with the coach set to reflect that.
