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England name team for first Ashes Test in Brisbane

22 November 2017

Joe Root has named the starting eleven for England as their defence of the Ashes begins in Brisbane at 00:00 GMT on Thursday. Supporters can watch the entire Ashes series on BT Sport 1 HD.

England won the previous series 3-2 on home soil, but were whitewashed 5-0 on their most recent trip down under in 2013-14.

England need only draw the five-match series to retain the Ashes.

Australia have not lost a Test at Brisbane's Gabba for 29 years and England have not won there since 1986.

The Three Lions, who hold the urn, have made two changes from the side that played in the final Ashes warm-up match against a Cricket Australia XI in Townsville.

Seamer Jake Ball has recovered from a sprained ankle to replace Craig Overton while England's leading wicket taker James Anderson comes in for spinner Mason Crane.

Root said: "It wasn't an easy decision. Craig has come into the squad and everything asked of him he's done really well. All the players on their first tour have impressed and it's great that the whole squad seems to be performing.

"Jake has bowled well when he's had his opportunity on the tour and the way he goes about things on these surfaces could be really challenging for the Australians."

England team for the first Test against Australia

Joe Root (captain)
Moeen Ali
James Anderson
Jonny Bairstow
Jake Ball
Stuart Broad
Alastair Cook
Dawid Malan
Mark Stoneman
James Vince
Chris Woakes

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