View
comments
England have omitted Jonny Bairstow from their 12-man squad for tonight’s first Ashes Test at Brisbane, and look set to choose between fast bowler Mark Wood and spinner Jack Leach before naming their XI at the toss.
Bairstow had been in contention for the final batting place in Joe Root’s team, but failed twice during England’s chaotic warm-up game over the weekend, leaving the path clear for Surrey’s Ollie Pope to build on the 81 he made against India at The Oval in England’s most recent Test, in September.
With showers expected throughout the first Test, and the first sightings of the Gabba pitch revealing a generous covering of grass, Root and head coach Chris Silverwood must decide what role, if any, Leach can fill with his left-arm spin.
Jonny Bairstow has been left out of the England initial squad for the first Ashes Test
He has not played a Test since leading England’s attack in India in February and March, though the
