Captain Joe Root will bat at number three in England’s Ashes opener at Edgbaston, Joe Denly confirmed as he moves down a place.
Root is understood to have approached head coach Trevor Bayliss following the Test victory over Ireland at Lord’s and offered to take up his old role at first wicket down when the series gets underway.
That is the spot Bayliss has long wanted Root, the side’s best batsman, to occupy and Denly was happy to make it official.
“Joe Root will bat at three and I’ll be batting at four,” he said.
“He rang me the other day and told me he wanted to bat three and for me to go in at four. I think Rooty just wanted to get involved in the game, get up there and get out in the middle.
“I’m very excited. I wasn’t too fussed where I’d be batting, it’s just great to be in the XI. I’ve batted at four before for Kent and throughout my career, so it really wasn’t a big issue.”
Meanwhile, Australia coach Justin Langer has confirmed James Pattinson and Usman Khawaja are certain starters for the opening Test in Birmingham.
Khawaja passed a fitness test on Monday after recovering from a hamstring injury and Langer confirmed the left-hander will bat at number three.
Fast bowler Pattinson is also set to feature in his first test match since February 2016.
“Usman Khawaja will definitely be in,” said Langer. “He’s fit, ready to go, he’s playing well.
“He’s a seasoned pro for us, he averages 40-odd in Test cricket, his hammy (hamstring) is good, he’s running well, he’s passed all the fitness tests so he’s ready to go. He’ll bat number three.”
On Pattinson’s return to the line-up, Langer added: (He’s) just a very, very good bowler. I’m sure (captain Tim Paine) will work out ways of using him.”
What time is England vs Australia?
The first Test gets underway at 11am BST this morning.
Fans will be able to watch the action live on Sky Sports.
Streaming is available via the Sky Go app and NOWTV.