Bairstow misses out as England name 12-man squad for first Ashes Test

Ollie Pope has been preferred over Bairstow as is likely to bat at No.6

PHOTO: AFP

Middle-order batter Jonny Bairstow has been unable to find a spot as England have named a 12-man squad for the first Ashes Test starting at The Gabba in Brisbane tomorrow.

Ollie Pope has been preferred over Bairstow as is likely to bat at No.6. Captain Joe Root will confirm the final XI will be confirmed at the toss.

England had relief in the batting and bowling department as all-rounder Ben Stokes will make his comeback in international cricket after five months.

Earlier, England decided to rest James Anderson for the Ashes opener and prepare him for the pink-ball Test at Adelaide Oval.

England Men's Squad for first Ashes Test: Joe Root (c), Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Haseeb Hameed, Jack Leach, Dawid Malan, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood.