Ben Stokes confirms England will be unchanged for fifth and final Ashes Test at the Oval
- Planet Sport writer
- 26 July 2023
England have named an unchanged XI for the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Oval with record wicket-taker James Anderson keeping his place in the team.
Captain Ben Stokes has confirmed that seamer James Anderson will start inthe fifth Ashes Test as the hosts named an unchanged XI for the series finale at the Oval.
Anderson, who turns 41 on day four, retains his place in the side despite a disappointing series thus far while Mark Wood and Chris Woakes have both been passed fit.
Australia take a 2-1 lead into the series decider and have already retained the urn but Ben Stokes' men are looking to square the scoreline after last week's washout at Old Trafford.
Anderson made it clear in a newspaper column that he has no intention of retiring and plans to continue his two-decade international career as long as he is wanted.
And captain Stokes made it clear that was still the case.
"Jimmy Anderson is the greatest fast bowler to play the game," The England skipper said.
"He's not had the impact and the wickets he'd have liked to in this series, he's come under a bit of flak, but he's a quality performer."
Stokes also paid tribute to his other veteran seamer, Stuart Broad, who has defied all expectations to play six Tests in a row this summer.
"At 37 years old it's testament to the work and effort he puts in," Stokes said.
"It's amazing. It was always going to be hard for one bowler to play every game this series but he's been incredible for us.
"He's been very good at coming on with the ball and changing the game."
