ENGLAND have made one change to the team for the fourth Specsavers Ashes Test starting at Old Trafford on Wednesday.

Somerset bowler Craig Overton replaces Chris Woakes from the side that won the third Test at Headingley.

The paceman nurtured by North Devon CC on his way to the pro game was drafted into the squad following confirmation that James Anderson would not be able to return in the series due to a calf injury and is brought straight into the team.

Overton has leapfrogged Woakes and Sam Curran. His batting is not as effective as Curran’s but his ability to gain surprising bounce may be seen as more effective at Old Trafford. 

Moreover Root may feel the need for a workhorse in his attack, a role unsuitable for the others. 

The thinking must be Overton is the best option to maintain control while the others are resting. However, he has only played one red-ball match since 17 July.

Overton has taken 32 wickets and scored more than 200 runs in this season’s Specsavers County Championship. He also topped the batting averages in Somerset's successful Royal London One-Day Cup campaign as well as being their leading wicket taker in that competition.

Overton has yet to experience anything other than defeat in his three previous Tests. Somerset colleague, Jack Leach, who is about to play his eighth Test, has never lost in an England shirt. So something has to give in a match. 

Former Australian captain Steve Smith is set to return in this match. Smith was Overton's first Test scalp on his debut in the Adelaide Test in 2017.

The Ashes series is level at 1-1 with two Tests to play after Ben Stokes dramatic 135 not out inspired the Three Lions to victory by one wicket in the third Test at Headingley.

England team for fourth Specsavers Ashes Test: Rory Burns, Joe Denly, Joe Root (c), Jason Roy, Ben Stokes, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Jos Buttler, Craig Overton, Jofra Archer, Stuart Broad, Jack Leach.