Jonny Bairstow has been retained as England’s wicketkeeper in a 14-man squad for the upcoming fourth Test against Australia, as the team maintains their faith in him.

Bairstow has faced challenges behind the stumps during the series, having missed eight chances in the first three Tests.

Despite calls for Surrey’s Ben Foakes to replace Bairstow, both captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum continue to support the Yorkshire player.

Following their three-wicket victory in the third Test in Leeds, which kept their Ashes hopes alive, England has named an unchanged squad for the forthcoming match in Manchester on Wednesday.

The hosts currently trail 2-1 in the series with two Tests remaining as they strive to win the Ashes for the first time since 2015.

Foakes has received praise from Stokes as the best wicketkeeper in the world, but Bairstow regained his place at the start of the season after recovering from a broken leg sustained in a golfing accident.

Bairstow’s mobility has appeared compromised since his recovery from three separate leg fractures, ligament damage, and a dislocated ankle.

In this Ashes series, he has only impressed with the bat once, scoring 78 runs on the opening day of the series.

Ollie Robinson has also been included in the squad, despite his recent back spasms limiting his involvement in the previous match.

The medical team is monitoring Robinson, but he is expected to make way for the return of James Anderson, England’s leading Test wicket-taker, at his home ground in Lancashire.

Anderson was rested for the third Test after struggling to make an impact in the first two matches, leading to suggestions that his effectiveness was waning at the age of 40.

Meanwhile, Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald faces a selection dilemma with Mitch Marsh impressing in the third Test after replacing the injured Cameron Green.

With Green now fit, McDonald must find a way to accommodate both all-rounders in the lineup.

Opener David Warner’s place in the team is in question following a poor performance in the third Test, while omitting Scott Boland would allow Marsh and Green to be included.

“We have a lot to consider and weigh up. We need to consider Mitch Marsh’s inclusion and the team’s balance with our all-rounders,” McDonald stated.

“He has presented a strong case. He was exceptional in this game, and his compatibility against England is quite promising. He also showcased impressive bowling skills, which he has displayed before in England.”