England have mentioned their 16-person test team for the upcoming Ashes 2025/26 series, with Ben Stokes Preserve the captain. The selectors, in their announcement on Tuesday (September 23), have also appointed Harry Brook as vice-captain, to replace Ollie Pope. Brook’s rise in a leading role emphasizes his growing form within the team after a consistent series of versions in different sizes.
Matthew Potts and Will Jacks return to the test setup
Fast Bowler Matthew Potts and all -rounder Will Jacks have been returned to the test fold. Pottts, which was last shown in a test against new Zeeland in December 2024, was in a strong County championship form and used 28 wickets in 10 games with a best of 4/84. Jacks, recovering from a finger injury that has excluded him from the New Zealand Witte-Ball series, is expected to regain full fitness for the ashes on time. The 25-year-old for the last Test Cricket against Pakistan played in December 2022.
Mark Wood, who was sidelined because of a knee injury, has restored and strengthens the tempo attack of England next to Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue and Potts. Shoaib Bashir, who picked up a finger injury during the India series, is also mentioned in the team as the frontline spinner. Bashir is supported by part -time options in Joe Root, Jacob Bethell and Jacks.
Chris Woakes omitted despite the recovery offer
An important point of conversation of the announcement of the team was the exclusion of Chris Woakes. The 36-year-old all-rounder disrupted his shoulder during the oval test against India earlier this year, but had pronounced his determination to return on time for the axis through targeted rehabilitation instead of surgery. Despite his efforts, the selectors chose his inclusion and England left without his experience in the coming series.
The team has a mix of experience and fresh energy. Veterans such as Joe Root, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope offer stability in the Batting department, while Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith adds depth behind the stumps. With Stokes at the helm and a rejuvenated bowling unit, England will look at a strong title defense in the historic series against Arch-Rivalen Australia.
Also read: Jordan Cox and Adil Rashid shine as England T20i series against Ireland in style.
England’s test team for the Ashes 2025-26
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, Jeh-Tong.
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