Archer left out as England announce playing XI for Ashes opener

Jofra Archer will have to wait for his Test debut as he was left out of the playing XI for the Ashes opener at Edgbaston.

Archer, who was struggling with a side injury picked up in the World Cup, was picked in the 14-man squad alongside Sam Curran and Olly Stone.

England’s trump card, James Anderson, returns to the side after recovering from a calf injury picked up in a county game.

All-rounders Chris Woakes and Ben Stokes will be the third and fourth seamers in the contest which starts on Thursday.

Australia currently hold the urn but have not won a Test series in England since 2001.

England playing XI for first Ashes Test