James Anderson 'Dropped', Mark Wood Recalled as England Name Playing XI For Leeds Test
Mark Wood has received a recall [Source: Twitter]
In a significant development, England have dropped veteran paceman James Anderson from their playing XI for the third Ashes Test at Headingley, Leeds, starting tomorrow. Express pacer Mark Wood replaces Anderson, while Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes make it into the eleven in place of Ollie Pope and Josh Tongue.
Talking about Anderson, the veteran seamer, despite being backed, returned underwhelming figures in the first two Tests, managing only three wickets in 77 overs. His poor form must have played a key role in his exclusion, which doesn't seem surprising. Mark Wood comes in as a breathe of fresh air, as he can rattle the opposition with searing pace.
Meanwhile, Pope has been ruled out of the series due to a horrific shoulder injury he sustained during the Lord's Test. Moeen Ali, who has recovered from his finger injury, replaces him the playing XI.
On the other hand, Josh Tongue's exclusion raised a few eyebrows, as he was impressive with the red cherry in the Lord's Test. However, as it seems, England have recalled Chris Woakes in a bid to enhance their batting down the order.
England's Playing XI for third Ashes Test
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Harry Brook, Joe Root, Ben Stokes (C), Jonny Bairstow (WK), Moeen Ali, Chris Woakes, Ollie Robinson, Stuart Broad, Mark Wood
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