James Anderson is back in the England XI for the Old Trafford Test against Australia, replacing Ollie Robinson

London [UK]July 17 (ANI): The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Monday recalled veteran spinner James Anderson to their XI for the fourth Ashes Test against Australia at Old Trafford in Manchester starting on Wednesday.

Anderson, who missed the third Test, will replace Ollie Robinson in the team that beat Australia by three wickets in Leeds.

“Lancashire wicketkeeper James Anderson replaces Sussex wicketkeeper Ollie Robinson from the team that beat Australia in the third Test at Headingley last week,” the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said in a statement.

After a combined return of just three wickets in the first two Tests, the 40-year-old pacer’s place in the XI appeared to be in doubt and he was thus rested for the crucial clash at Leeds.

However, he was included in the XI ahead of the fourth Test at Old Trafford, a venue where Anderson holds the record with 37 wickets in 10 Tests dating back to 2004.

The England XI also confirmed that Moeen Ali will bat at No.3.

Ali scored 5 in his last outing at the position in the second innings at Leeds, but that allows Harry Brooke to bat further with a routine 5 as he scored a crucial 75.

Australia lead the series 2-1 heading into the decisive fourth Test.

England XI: Ben Duckett, Zach Crowley, Moeen Ali, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jonathan Bairstow (td), Chris Woakes, Mark Wood, Stuart Broad and James Anderson. (ANI)