England Ashes Squad 2025: Full Team & Key Players

England have announced a 16-player squad for the Ashes in Australia, beginning November 21, with the final Test on January 4. The core remains unchanged, with all-rounder Will Jacks being a surprise inclusion as the second spinner.

England batters

Ben Duckett (opening batter)

Tests: 38, Runs: 2,872, Average: 42.86, 100s: Six

Ben Duckett, England’s opening batter, has become a key figure with his aggressive, counter-attacking style under McCullum and Stokes. In the 2023 Ashes, he averaged 35.66, showing his reliability at the top.

Zak Crawley (opening batter)

Tests: 59, Runs: 3,313, Average: 31.55, 100s: Five

Zak Crawley has faced increasing scrutiny over his spot after a lean run, but England is backing him for the Ashes. They believe Australia’s quicker, bouncier pitches suit his aggressive style, which could trouble the Aussie bowlers. On his last tour, Crawley averaged 27.66 in three Tests.

Jacob Bethell (top/middle-order batter)

Tests: Four, Runs: 271, Average: 38.71, 100s: None

After a solid debut series against New Zealand, Bethell has had limited opportunities this summer. However, his recent ODI century against South Africa boosts his chances, and England would trust him if called upon.

Ollie Pope (Top-order batter)

Tests: 61, Runs: 3,607, Average: 35.36, 100s: Nine

Ollie Pope’s place in the squad was never in doubt, particularly after stepping in as captain when Stokes was unavailable. He’ll also be the backup wicketkeeper to Jamie Smith. However, Pope has struggled in Australia, with a modest average of just 11.16 from three Tests.

Joe Root (top-order batter)

Tests: 158, Runs: 13,543, Average: 51.29, 100s: 39

He may hold the title of England’s all-time highest run-scorer, but the Australian shores have been unkind to him with no 100s in 14 Tests. With an average of 35.68, the right-hander is overdue for a ton, or else we might be in for a surprise from a naked Matthew Hayden walking around the MCG!

Harry Brook (Vice-captain and middle-order batter)

Tests: 30, Runs: 2,820, Average: 57.55, 100s: 10

Known for his explosive yet sometimes erratic style, he averages 53.90 this year. This will be his first Ashes series in Australia.

England all-rounders

Will Jacks (all-rounder)

Tests: 2, Runs: 89, Average: 22.25, Wickets: Six, Average: 38.66

Will Jacks is the wildcard of the squad, having played his two Tests in Pakistan as a secondary spin option in late 2022. With contenders like Rehan Ahmed, Liam Dawson, and Jack Leach vying for the second spin role, the Surrey man has earned his place. 

Ben Stokes (captain and all-rounder)

Tests: 115, Runs: 7,032, Average: 35.69, Wickets: 230, Average: 31.64

After missing the final Test against India due to a shoulder injury, the 34-year-old England captain was back training in September. Ben Stokes averages 28.61 with the bat and has claimed 19 wickets at 40.94 from nine Tests in Australia. 

England wicketkeeper

Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper)

Tests: 15, Runs: 1,075, Average: 48.86, 100s: Two, Dismissals: 54

Smith has been solid with both bat and gloves since his Test debut in 2024. However, by the end of the summer series, he showed signs of fatigue. With England’s aggressive batting approach, he could spend long periods in the field, making this his first major test in the harsh Australian conditions.

England bowlers

Brydon Carse (fast bowler)

Tests: 9, Wickets: 36, Average: 30.11, Best figures: 6-42

The Durham fast bowler’s aggressive short-pitch style could thrive in Australia, but his role in all five Tests is uncertain. This will be his debut Ashes series.

Mark Wood (fast bowler)

Tests: 37, Wickets: 119, Average: 30.42, Best figures: 6-37

England’s premier fast bowler, but fitness is a concern. After knee surgery, his last Test was in August 2024, and he’s yet to play since February. He took 17 wickets in four Tests during the last Ashes series.

Matthew Potts (fast bowler)

Tests: 10, Wickets: 36, Average: 29.44, Best figures: 7-68

Potts has earned his spot in the squad after a strong summer, taking 28 wickets in 10 County Championship matches at 39.60. With Chris Woakes retiring, Potts now gets his first opportunity in Ashes cricket.

Jofra Archer (fast bowler)

Tests: 15, Wickets: 51, Average: 30.62, Best figures: 6-45

Jofra Archer’s been a standout with the ball, though injuries have slowed his Test career. While he’s yet to play a Test in Australia, he took 22 wickets on debut in 2019.

Gus Atkinson (fast bowler)

Tests: 13, Wickets: 63, Average: 22.01, Best figures: 7-45

After a standout performance against India in July, Atkinson has impressed since his 2024 Test debut. The Surrey fast bowler is now poised to lead England’s attack in Australia, potentially taking the new ball in his first Ashes series.

Shoaib Bashir (spinner)

Tests: 19, Wickets: 68, Average: 39.00, Best figures: 6-81

Bashir will lead England’s spin attack in the Ashes, with 50 Test wickets to his name. However, his pricey bowling may be targeted by Australia’s middle order

Josh Tongue (fast bowler)

Tests: 6, Wickets: 31, Average: 30.00, Best figures: 5-66

He proved his worth against India, silencing concerns about his ability to handle top-order batsmen. After a brief stint in the 2023 Ashes, where he took five wickets, this series will mark his first Ashes tour to Australia.