Gary Ballance has been dropped for the third Investec Test against Australia with Jonny Bairstow earning a recall in his place. Ian Bell, who is also under pressure after a lean run, will move up to No. 3 at Edgbaston with Joe Root batting at four followed by Bairstow. The remainder of the squad is unchanged with Adil Rashid and Steven Finn retaining their spots in the 13-man party as England aim to respond to their 405-run mauling at Lord's. Pressure on Bell to get runs at 3?
That's definitely something I would have considered - I suspect that the Edgbaston wicket will be made seamer friendly I think Finn may play for Wood
The England and Wales Cricket Board has given "no directive" about the pitch ahead of next week's third Test, says Edgbaston groundsman Gary Barwell. please log in to view this image
Good news this - Australia remain hopeful batsman Chris Rogers will be fit for the third Ashes Test against England as he continues to recover from his dizzy spell. He rejoined the squad on Saturday as they prepare for the match at Edgbaston, which starts on Wednesday He's a good lad, so I'm pleased he's making a swift recovery
Australians drew with Derbyshire in their rain-affected Tour Match in Derby Australians 413 for 9 dec (Warner 101, Marsh 101, Watson 61, Marsh 63) and 95 for 1 dec (Clarke 44*) - Derbyshire 259 (Palladino 82, Marsh 4-41, Ahmed 3-68)
England fast bowler Mark Wood has said he does not want to be rested during the Investec Ashes despite concerns about how his body will cope with the demands of a five-Test series. Wood has made a good impression as England's third seamer in his four Test appearances but picked up 1 for 131 at Lord's amid worries that he struggles with back-to-back matches. However I would seriously consider playing Finn
3 runs behind with 7 wickets in hand. Pray for sunshine tomorrow and England should win this Test match.
England with 7 1st innings wickets remaining trail Australia by 3 runs at the end of the 1st day of the 3rd test at Edgbaston England 133 for 3 (Bell 53, Lyon 2-3) - Australia 136 (Rogers 52, Anderson 6-47) Top drawer stuff from Jimmy
Australia with 3 wickets left lead England by 23 runs at the end of Day 2 at Edgbaston Australia 136 and 168 for 7 (Warner 77, Nevill 36*, Finn 5-45) - England 281 (Root 63, Moeen 59, Bell 53, Lyon 3-36) Well we make Day 3 - just!
James Anderson could be ruled out of the remainder of the Investec Ashes after being forced off the field at Edgbaston with an apparent side strain. Anderson, England's record wicket taker, was two balls into his ninth over when he clutched his side after delivery. While he bowled one more ball, he then pulled up in his run-up and left the field. The ECB released a statement on Twitter confirming that Anderson had a "tight side" and would be "assessed overnight". That means he will be sent for a scan with any firm decision about his future involvement delayed until the results are known. The fourth Test begins at Trent Bridge next Thursday.
England bowler James Anderson will miss the rest of the third Ashes Test at Edgbaston and the fourth Test at Trent Bridge because of a side strain. The fourth Test starts on 6 August with the fifth Test on 20 August.
No nervy run chase in the end as England beat Australia by 8 wickets in the 3rd Test at Edgbaston England 281 (Root 63, Moeen 59, Bell 53, Lyon 3-36) and 124 for 2 (Bell 65*) - Australia 136 (Rogers 52, Anderson 6-47) and 265 (Warner 77, Nevill 59, Starc 58, Finn 6-79) England lead series 2-1 ECB relieved that game went into 3rd day - refunds to pay only for Days 4 and 5
Six candidates to replace Jimmy:- Mark Wood Chris Woakes Jack Brookes Mark Footit Liam Plunkett Chris Rushworth Do they go for Mark Wood or a specialist swing bowler?
Bowlers Liam Plunkett and Mark Footitt have been included in England's 14-man squad for the fourth Ashes Test against Australia at Trent Bridge. Yorkshire's Plunkett, 30, played the last of 13 Tests in June 2014, while Derbyshire's Footitt, 29, is uncapped.