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England recalls James Anderson for fourth Test at Old Trafford as Ollie Robinson axed

Veteran James Anderson is back for England in Wednesday's fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford.

Veteran James Anderson is back for England in Wednesday's fourth Ashes Test at Old Trafford. Photo: Getty

James Anderson has been recalled for his home Ashes Test at Old Trafford, after England made the call to drop its pantomime villain Ollie Robinson.

England confirmed on Monday that Anderson’s return would be the one change for the fourth Test against Australia from Wednesday, with Jonny Bairstow keeping the gloves as expected.

Spinning all-rounder Moeen Ali is again listed at No.3 after batting there in the fourth innings at Headingley last week, with Harry Brook back at No.5.

Anderson was left out of the team’s three-wicket win at Headingley, but there was always a thought the 40-year-old had been kept on ice for this match.

On his return, Anderson will have the chance to bowl from the James Anderson End for the first time in an Ashes match, after the pavilion end was renamed after him in 2017.

Anderson has had an underwhelming Ashes so far, taking three wickets at 75.33.

But the forecast of cloudy skies and some wet weather for this Manchester Test is likely to suit the hometown seamer.

The decision to leave Robinson out comes after he had declared himself fit to play at Old Trafford, following back spasms at Headingley.

One of England’s best bowlers for the past year, Robinson has taken 10 wickets in this series for England.

Robinson has also become known as Australia’s arch villain throughout the Ashes, after giving Usman Khawaja a send-off in the first Test and sending several barbs in the direction of the tourists.

However he has not looked as threatening as other bowlers, with England opting to keep the pace of Mark Wood in its side and all-round ability of Chris Woakes as a fourth seamer.

ENGLAND: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Moeen Ali, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt), Jonny Bairstow, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Stuart Broad, James Anderson.

-AAP

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