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1h ago

England Names Pace-Heavy Ashes Squad as Brook Becomes Vice-Captain

The ECB says Ben Stokes is on track for Perth, with a surprise recall for Will Jacks as back-up to Shoaib Bashir.

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Cricket - First Test - England v Sri Lanka - Old Trafford, Manchester, Britain - August 23, 2024 England's Mark Wood Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith/File Photo
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Cricket - Second Test - England v India - Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham, Britain - July 3, 2025 England's Shoaib Bashir reacts Action Images via Reuters/Peter Cziborra/File Photo

Overview

  • England confirmed a 16-player touring party for the 2025/26 Ashes starting November 21 in Perth.
  • The selection is pace-focused, with Jofra Archer and Mark Wood included after injury layoffs and Shoaib Bashir the sole specialist spinner.
  • Harry Brook replaces Ollie Pope as Test vice-captain, while Pope remains in the squad as a batter.
  • Captain Ben Stokes is recovering from a shoulder injury and is expected to be available for the opener, though his bowling workload is unclear.
  • All-rounder Will Jacks returns as spin cover despite a broken finger and will miss the New Zealand white-ball tour but is expected to be fit for the Ashes; Australia has not named its squad, and Ricky Ponting has suggested promoting Travis Head to No.3.