Stuart Broad and Mooen Ali named in first Ashes Test team for England for opening Edgbaston match against Australia

Stuart Broad and Mooen Ali have been named in the England XI for the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston.

There had been speculation as to whether Broad or Mark Wood would be given the nod, with all the other spots in the team largely nailed down.

The decision rested with England captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, with the 36-year-old veteran, a star of previous Ashes over the years, included to renew hostilities with Australia opener David Warner.

In 2019 Warner was Broad’s rabbit, out seven times from 10 during the five matches.

Another Ashes and England bowling stalwart, James Anderson, is included, and Ollie Robinson is fit to join him. Recent recall, and newly minted OBE, Moeen will earn his 65th cap after coming out of Test retirement.

Stokes will be installed in the middle order at six, with Jonny Bairstow in at seven.

Speaking last week, Broad was confident he would be ready, saying: “I told Stokesy that I felt the best rhythm all season on the first day against Ireland which is just a great place to be.

“I play really well at all of the Ashes grounds and I love playing against Australia. I’m happy to try and strike whenever I get the chance.

“I think ultimately as a team we’re going to need every bowler, and we’re going to need to take 100 wickets to win the Ashes starting with Edgbaston.

“And it will be great to continue my battle with David Warner. We’ve had some great matches in the past and this will be just as competitive. I think we are both very competitive and that brings the best out of each other. I had to study him to try and have the success I did last time, and he’s got hold of me a few times too.”

The first Test at Egbaston starts on Friday, June 16.

ENGLAND TEAM TO PLAY FIRST ASHES TEST

Duckett, Crawley, Pope, Root, Brook, Stokes (c), Bairstow (wk), Moeen, Broad, Robinson, Anderson