England Announce Playing XI For 2nd Ashes Test

England announced their playing 11 for the crucial second Ashes 2025-26 Test in Brisbane, starting December 4. The team brought in spin-bowling all-rounder Will Jacks to replace the injured Mark Wood. Wood featured in the series opener in Perth but went wicketless in 11 overs across the two innings.

He was later ruled out of the second Test due to a knee injury. Meanwhile, Jacks has only played two Tests for England since making his debut during the 2022 away series against Pakistan. Notably, both of his Test appearances came in that series, and the 27-year-old has not represented England in red-ball cricket since.

The visitors endured a crushing loss in the opening Test despite holding a commanding position for most of the match. England restricted Australia to just 132 in their first innings after putting up 172 themselves, securing a crucial 40-run advantage.

However, Ben Stokes’ side collapsed in their second innings, scoring only 164 and leaving a target of 205 for the hosts. A dominant Australian team chased it down comfortably, losing just two wickets in 28.2 overs, powered by an outstanding 123 off 83 balls from Travis Head.

England’s Playing XI for the 2nd Ashes 2025-26 Test:

Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer

“Will Jacks Provides Backup With Both Bat And Ball” – Michael Atherton

Former England skipper Michael Atherton advised the touring side to select Will Jacks instead of specialist spinner Shoaib Bashir for the second Ashes Test. With Mark Wood ruled out, many expected England to include a spinner after relying entirely on pace in the opening match.

Bashir has featured in 19 Tests for England and has taken 68 wickets with his off-spin, including four five-wicket hauls. However, writing in his column for The Times, Atherton suggested that Jacks should be preferred as the spin option for the upcoming Test (as quoted by the ICC):

“There may still be periods where the bat dominates, which is why a spinner should remain under serious consideration. If so then who should it be? Shoaib Bashir or Will Jacks? England tend to stay loyal and Bashir was in the XII for Perth, but Jacks should come into consideration, as he offers insurance with both bat and ball.”

He further added:

“Jacks has played only two Tests and was a surprise inclusion for this Ashes tour, but he may well have been picked with this one match in mind. I would pick him over Bashir.”