England Squad: Jonny Bairstow replaces Gary Ballance for 3rd Ashes Test [VIDEO]

Jonny Bairstow on England call-up for 3rd Ashes Test

Gary Ballance has been axed from England squad for the 3rd Ashes Test, and will be replaced by his Yorkshire teammate Jonny Bairstow for the Edgbaston Test, starting July 29.

Ballance, despite scoring heavily over the past few months for England, struggled against Australia fast bowling in the first two Ashes series Test. The five-match series is currently tied at one game apiece.

Meanwhile, Bairstow played his last Test against Australia in the 2014 Ashes series in Sydney, and in total has played 14 Tests for England. And, the 25-year-old is aiming to make this opportunity count.

“I haven’t been concentrating on anything apart from scoring runs for my county,” Bairstow said. “The chance has come and I am delighted. It has been a case of working hard over the last few years and just going out and playing.

“A few things have come together,” he added. “Consistency-wise I think I am in my best form and striking the ball well and hopefully this will continue.”

Axing of Ballance means, veteran Ian Bell will be promoted up the order to his favorite number three position for England in the 3rd Ashes Test, while Bairstow will play at number five.

“For the third Test Ian Bell will move up the order to bat at three followed by Joe Root with Jonny Bairstow coming in at five,” England National Selector James Whitaker.

“Jonny has worked extremely hard at his game and his record for Yorkshire speaks for itself. He fully deserves this opportunity. Gary was naturally disappointed to miss out on this occasion however we feel that he will benefit from some time in county cricket to rediscover his form.”

“He has already had plenty of success at international level and as selectors we are confident Gary will play a significant role for England in the future,” he concluded.

England squad for 3rd Ashes Test: Alastair Cook (c), Moeen Ali, James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Ian Bell, Stuart Broad, Jos Buttler, Steven Finn, Adam Lyth, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Ben Stokes and Mark Wood.