Will Jacks Recalled as Back-Up Spinner

England have made a surprise move by recalling Will Jacks as the back-up spinner for the Ashes. Jacks, who last played Test cricket in 2022, has been preferred over Rehan Ahmed, Liam Dawson and Jack Leach to provide cover for Shoaib Bashir. His selection has raised eyebrows, given his limited wicket haul in first-class cricket this season.

Harry Brook Named Vice-Captain

Harry Brook has been appointed as England’s vice-captain, replacing Ollie Pope. The promotion has been described as a significant step, with head coach Brendon McCullum previously calling Brook an “emerging leader” and many considering him a future Test captain. The move also intensifies scrutiny over Pope’s position at number three.

Injury Concerns but Strong Pace Attack

Despite ongoing fitness issues, Mark Wood has been included in the squad after recovering from elbow and knee injuries. He will form part of a formidable pace attack alongside Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, and Matthew Potts. However, Chris Woakes has been omitted on fitness grounds.

Captain Ben Stokes is still recovering from a shoulder injury, but England are optimistic he will be fit for the opening Test in Perth on 21 November.

Batting Line-Up Appears Settled

The batting order remains largely unchanged, with Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett opening, followed by Joe Root, Brook, and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. Pope may also serve as a back-up wicketkeeper if required. Rising talent Jacob Bethell, who impressed in white-ball cricket with a maiden century against South Africa, is also pushing for a Test debut.

England Eye Rare Ashes Success in Australia

This Ashes series is seen as England’s best chance of winning in Australia since their famous 2010–11 triumph. However, fitness will be key, particularly for Stokes and Wood — the only two bowlers in the squad with prior Test experience in Australia.

Full Ashes Squad

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.

New Zealand Tour Squads Confirmed

England also named squads for the upcoming New Zealand tour. Zak Crawley will feature in the T20 side, while Brook, Bethell and Carse are set to play across formats. In ODIs, Brook has been handed the captaincy, with Sam Curran, Liam Dawson and Luke Wood earning call-ups.

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FAQs

Q1: Who is England’s vice-captain for the Ashes?
Harry Brook has been named vice-captain, replacing Ollie Pope.

Q2: Why was Will Jacks selected as back-up spinner?
He was chosen ahead of Rehan Ahmed, Liam Dawson and Jack Leach, despite modest first-class figures, to provide cover for Shoaib Bashir.

Q3: What is the biggest injury concern for England?
Captain Ben Stokes (shoulder) and pacer Mark Wood (elbow and knee recovery) remain key fitness worries.

Q4: When does the Ashes start?
The series begins in Perth on 21 November 2025.

Q5: Who will captain England’s ODI squad in New Zealand?
Harry Brook has been appointed as ODI captain for the tour.