James Anderson and Ollie Robinson will be fit to start in the Ashes, but will sit out against Ireland with England to test out their strength in depth.
Skipper Ben Stokes is set to play as a batter only too, even though he impressed head coach Brendon McCullum with his physique at their first training session of the summer at Lord’s.
Stokes will lead the side on Thursday with Stuart Broad, Matt Potts, and Chris Woakes the likely pace bowling attack before attentions turn to the Ashes and England’s first choice team for the oldest heavyweight battle in the game.
Mark Wood will be another pace bowler be wrapped up in cotton wool ahead of the Aussie clash at Edgbaston on June 16 where all three are expected to be raring to go.
“Jimmy and Ollie won't be fit for this one against Ireland,” confirmed McCullum. “We'll just have to monitor it over this next little bit, but we've got some great options. When I first took over this job, people said there wasn't much depth in English cricket and I disagree with that completely.
“Stokesy looks in great order, has a big smile on his face and looks really fit as well. As for his bowling, I think he’ll bowl at some stage throughout the summer. He is a world class all rounder and if he is able to bowl, fantastic. If not, we’ll find a way. He is delighted to be back around the group as our leader and the sort of energy he brings is fantastic.
McCullum has promised England’s positive approach from the last 12 months will be on show once more this week after a short break in their revolution since the New Zealand tour.
A year into the job and McCullum is crystal clear about how the team will set about their work and it certainly won’t change for the Aussies in the Ashes. It might be the stiffest challenge to come, but it is one that England’s management are excited about trying to meet.
“We’re a team that knows how we want to play now and we’re not afraid to lose,” added McCullum. “That’s quite a remarkable trait, led by the skipper and senior players. We know that if we play how we want to play, we give ourselves the best opportunity. We have the talent to put world-class teams under pressure.
“We’ve achieved some really cool things from a results point of view, but for me it’s more the growth of the side and growth of the people which has been most impressive and given me the most satisfaction.
“This is a big summer and there will be a lot of eyeballs – not just in the UK, but around the world. That’s what you want to be involved in. That’s where the real important stuff can happen. Who knows if we’ll win this summer, but I know we will go into it with the right attitude, the right environment and a team that believes it’s got a chance.
“It’s a great honour to be in the position we’re in, to hopefully entertain and inspire people to follow this team, to want to be a part of this sport and hopefully captivate some people that may not have been that keen on cricket.”
