England Announce Squad For The Upcoming Ashes 2025-26 Series

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced a 16-member squad for the 2025-26 Ashes series in Australia. Led by Ben Stokes, the team will play five Tests starting November 21 as they aim to reclaim the prestigious urn. According to the board’s statement, Stokes is expected to regain full fitness for the tour after his shoulder injury.

The squad sees the return of speedster Mark Wood, who has been sidelined with injury since the 2025 Champions Trophy in February. England’s pace attack will also feature Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson, both of whom played in the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy earlier this year, with their workload to be managed carefully.

Additionally, right-arm quicks Josh Tongue, Brydon Carse, and Matthew Potts have been included in the touring party. However, senior pacer Chris Woakes has missed out after failing to recover from the serious shoulder dislocation he suffered during the fifth Test against India at The Oval.

Shoaib Bashir has been included as the only specialist spinner in the squad, while all-rounder Will Jacks makes a return to the Test setup. The Mumbai Indians (MI) player has featured in just two Tests so far, both during the 2022 series in Pakistan.

Bashir is currently recovering from a finger injury sustained in the third Test against India at Lord’s. Jacks, who is dealing with a similar issue, will miss the upcoming white-ball series in New Zealand, as England’s management has prioritized his availability for the Ashes.

Harry Brook’s rise in the leadership group has taken another step, with the star batter named as England’s new vice-captain, replacing Ollie Pope. The batting lineup remains largely unchanged, featuring openers Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett, along with experienced campaigner Joe Root, youngster Jacob Bethell, and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.

England announce lineup for 2025-26 Ashes series

Ben Stokes (captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (vice-captain), Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Josh Tongue, Mark Wood.