James Anderson named England's vice-captain for Ashes series
Friday 10 November 2017 17:49, UK
England have confirmed seamer James Anderson will act as Joe Root's vice-captain during the Ashes series.
Anderson has been named to replace the suspended Ben Stokes, who did not travel with the rest of the squad while an investigation surrounding his September arrest in Bristol continues.
Speaking after the third day of England's latest Ashes warm up match, Anderson told Sky Sports News: "It's a really nice thing for Joe to ask me to do.
"I don't think it really changes my role in the team. As a senior player I've always felt I've got a responsibility to try and help out other guys.
"Myself, Stuart [Broad] and Alastair [Cook], who have been here before and had success here before, we play an important role on this trip so I don't see it changing my role too much."
The decision casts further doubt over whether Stokes will be able to link up with the squad in Australia while he waits to find out if he will face any police charges.
England's leading Test wicket-taker, who will bring a wealth of experience to the role, has been selected ahead of former captain Alastair Cook and fellow fast bowler Stuart Broad.
The 35-year-old is playing in his fourth Test tour of Australia, with the first Test match beginning in 13 days' time at the Gabba in Brisbane.
Anderson and Broad are expected to lead the England attack for the five-match Test series, with England head coach Trevor Bayliss already coping with the loss of Steven Finn from the tour after the Middlesex bowler tore the cartilage in his left knee ahead of the opening warm-up game.
Surrey all-rounder Tom Curran has been drafted into the squad, while all-rounder Moeen Ali continues to recover from a side strain injury.
England are aiming to retain the Ashes after winning on home soil in 2015, but they suffered a whitewash on their last visit to Australia in 2013-14.
