England Retain Unchanged Squad for Fifth Ashes Test at the Oval

image-lkgslqxpEngland will aim to win the fifth Test. (Twitter)

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has finalized an unchanged 14-member squad for the much-awaited fifth Men's Ashes Test against Australia at the Kia Oval on July 27, 2023.

With Australia holding a 2-1 lead in the series and already securing the Ashes after a drawn fourth Test at Old Trafford, the cricketing world is eagerly anticipating the grand finale. England is determined to level the series at 2-2, while Australia aims for their first outright series victory in England since 2001.

Bowling department selections present a challenge for Stokes and the team, with questions surrounding Josh Tongue's return and Ollie Robinson's fitness. There is also a possibility of Jimmy Anderson making a potential farewell Ashes appearance if selected.

England will assess the fitness of Chris Woakes, who has made a significant impact with 12 wickets in his two appearances but has reported quad stiffness. Additionally, the workload of Mark Wood will be closely monitored.

Josh Tongue, who showcased a match-winning performance with Worcestershire, will rejoin the national squad for the fifth Test after participating in the Division Two fixture against Leicestershire.

In a recent interview with the BBC, England's Test captain Ben Stokes acknowledged the presence of tired bodies in the team and emphasized the need to assess the players' fitness ahead of the fifth Ashes Test at the Oval. 

"There are some tired bodies and we have a short period until the Oval so we will have to see who is fit then,"  said Ben Stokes in an interview with the BBC ahead of the fifth Ashes Test. 

With a short period remaining until the match, the team will carefully evaluate the players' condition to determine their availability.

The upcoming match at the Oval promises to be a thrilling conclusion to this intense battle between two cricketing powerhouses.

England Men's Squad for the fifth Ashes Test at the Oval: Ben Stokes (c), Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Moeen Ali, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jonny Bairstow, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Ollie Robinson, Daniel Lawrence, Josh Tongue