Jonny Bairstow
Bairstow in for Ballance after disappointing second Test. Getty

Johnny Bairstow has replaced Gary Balance in the England squad for the third Ashes Test against Australia.

The 25-year-old is the only change in the squad from the second Test that ended in humiliation for England after a 405-run defeat at Lord's.

Bairstow, who has five centuries in the County Championship for the defending champions this summer and averages 100.66 in first-class cricket, will bat at five with Joe Root shifting up to four and Ian Bell taking a spot in the top three.

National selector James Whitaker said: "The break ahead of the third Test will give the squad time to reflect on series so far and a chance to focus on playing the positive, confident cricket we saw in Cardiff.

"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. 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.

"On behalf of the selectors I'd like to wish Alastair, Trevor and the squad all the very best for what will I'm sure be an entertaining and competitive Test next week."

Ballance's omission comes after scoring just 23 and 13 in his two innings in the second Test.

Adil Rashid remains in the squad despite being forced to withdraw from Lord's after suffering a finger injury.

The third meeting of the five-Test series takes place at Edgbaston and gets underway on Wednesday 29 July.

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