Stokes included in England's Ashes squad of 12, Anderson rested

Sydney

All-rounder Ben Stokes has been included in England's12-member squad for the opening Ashes Test beginning at The Gabba on December8, putting to rest speculation that he might not be considered for the firstTest as he is returning to competitive cricket after a long time.

Stokes could, however, still be dropped from England'splaying XI as skipper Joe Root will take a call on the final XI at the toss.

 Pace bowling stalwartand England's top wicket-taker in Test history, James Anderson too is missingfrom the playing XI.

 Anderson, an Englandspokesperson confirmed, isn't carrying an injury. Rather, the decision to leaveout the 39-year-old has to do with managing his workload ahead of what will bea gruelling five-Test, high-octane series.

 "Jimmy is fit toplay, and is not carrying an injury," an England spokesperson said."With five Tests in six weeks, the plan was to get him ready for thesecond Test in Adelaide.

 "With thelimited build-up we have had so far on the tour, both him and the managementdidn't want to take the risk of him playing after what had happened in 2019 atEdgbaston when he broke down on the first morning.

 During the 2019Ashes, England lost Anderson to a calf injury during the opening Test inEdgbaston and had to go through the rest of the match with a bowler short.Belying his age, Anderson bounced back thereafter, playing all the home Testsagainst India and New Zealand this year.

 A statement issued bythe England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Tuesday that, "EnglandMen have named a 12-strong squad for the first Ashes Test starting at The Gabbain Brisbane on Wednesday 8 December. The final XI will be confirmed at the toss."

 England Men's Squadfor 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 and Mark Wood.