England announce unchanged team for final Ashes Test against Australia as Ben Stokes’ side aim to end series on a high after disappointing Manchester washout

England will go into the final Ashes Test against Australia with an unchanged side as Ben Stokes’ side aim to avoid their first home series defeat against their arch rivals in 22 years. 

The hosts were left disappointed at Old Trafford after drab weather conditions forced the fourth Test to be washed out, despite England holding a strong advantage over the tourists after four days of action. 

It means that Australia have retained the Ashes this summer, but with England only trailing 2-1 in the series, they can still salvage a positive outcome if they win at the Oval and deny their rivals of winning on enemy soil. 

Stokes was left with a number of selection calls for the final Test, with James Anderson failing to make a serious impact on the series, while there are fatigue concerns for veteran bowler Stuart Broad, who has played in all four matches. 

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 by selecting him over the now-fit Ollie Robinson.

‘Jimmy Anderson is the greatest fast bowler to play the game,’ he 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, 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,’ he 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.’

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