Stuart Broad beat out Mark Wood for the last slot in England's XI for Friday's first Ashes Test at Edgbaston. Broad will join James Anderson and Ollie Robinson in England's seam attack. Apart from this, Moeen Ali, who returned from retirement to Tests, also got a place in the Edgbaston Test XI.

Ashes is knocking at the door. It is very natural for England to announce the XI before the match. This time was no exception. The English have given the playing XI with almost 2 days left of the match. Two pacers Anderson and Robinson made it to the eleven after recovering from injury. Stuart Broad is the third pacer.

Besides, England have also included Moeen Ali, who returned to Test cricket from retirement. With Jack Leach ruled out due to injury, Moeen is said to be the specialist spinner in the English XI. Besides, the rest of the faces are familiar. Zack Crawley is joined by Ben Duckett in the opening. Ollie Pope will play at three, Joe Root as usual at four. Harry Brook will play at five and captain Ben Stokes at six. Wicket-keeper batter Jonny Bairstow returns to international cricket after a long time. Then three pacers will play with Moeen.

The first Test match of this year's Ashes will be played at Edgbaston Stadium in Birmingham on June 16.

England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jonny Bairstow (wk), Moeen Ali, Stuart Broad, Ollie Robinson, James Anderson.