England's Ashes 2025/26 squad: key picks and injury updates

England's Ashes 2025/26 squad announced for Australia tour

England's cricket selectors have unveiled their 16-player squad for the highly anticipated Ashes series in Australia, scheduled to begin in November 2025. The squad features key players such as captain Ben Stokes, Mark Wood, and Jofra Archer, all making comebacks from recent injuries. This selection reflects England's strategic approach to balancing experience with emerging talent for a challenging five-Test series Down Under.

Key inclusions and injury comebacks

Ben Stokes, despite recovering from a shoulder injury sustained during the final Test against India at The Oval in August 2025, remains on course to lead England in the opening Test at Perth starting 21 November. His inclusion is vital, given his all-round capabilities and leadership skills.

Fast bowler Mark Wood, who underwent left knee surgery earlier in the year, has also been named in the squad. Wood's aggressive pace bowling and previous success in Australia, including his 5-34 figures at Headingley in 2023 against Australia, make him a crucial asset. Similarly, Jofra Archer returns after a four-year hiatus from Test cricket, following a successful comeback in the summer series. His pace and experience add depth to England's bowling attack.

However, Chris Woakes is notably absent due to ongoing recovery from a dislocated shoulder. His fitness concerns have ruled him out of contention for the series. This decision underscores the selectors’ focus on fielding a fit and ready squad.

Changes in leadership roles

In a significant leadership update, Harry Brook has been appointed as England's vice-captain, replacing Ollie Pope. Brook, who also leads England's white-ball side, brings fresh energy and tactical acumen to the Test squad. His elevation reflects his rising stature within English cricket and the selectors’ confidence in his leadership abilities.

Emerging talent and squad depth

One of the standout selections is Surrey’s Will Jacks, recalled to the Test side after his last appearances during the victorious Pakistan tour in 2022. Despite a recent finger injury sustained in T20 internationals against South Africa, Jacks is expected to be fit and ready. His versatility as an aggressive batsman and off-spinner provides England with a valuable second spin option alongside Shoaib Bashir, who himself has recovered from a finger fracture.

Other squad members include promising youngsters like Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, and Jamie Tongue, all of whom have shown potential in county cricket and England Lions tours. Their inclusion signals England’s commitment to nurturing talent ahead of the demanding Australian conditions.

Strategic bowling options and recent withdrawals

With the fast bowling department, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, and Josh Tongue join Wood and Archer, providing a balanced pace attack expected to exploit Australia’s pace-friendly pitches. Matthew Potts replaces Jamie Overton, who has taken an indefinite break from Test cricket, adding fresh competition for places.

Leicestershire leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed, despite impressive domestic performances, misses out on the Ashes squad. This decision highlights the selectors’ preference for experienced spin options tailored to Australian wickets.

England’s white-ball squads and upcoming fixtures

In addition to the Test squad, England has announced their T20 and ODI squads for the preceding white-ball tour of New Zealand, starting in October 2025. Harry Brook will captain both squads, with notable inclusions such as Zak Crawley making his T20 debut. The squads have been carefully balanced, resting some senior Test players like Archer and Jamie Smith from the T20 series to manage workload ahead of the Ashes.

For detailed schedules and match timings, readers can refer to our Ashes 2025/26 schedule coverage, which offers comprehensive insights into this historic series opener in Perth.

Expert insights on Will Jacks and squad strengths

Former England paceman Dominic Cork has expressed strong support for Will Jacks’ inclusion, citing his multifaceted skills as a batsman, off-spinner, and fielder. Cork emphasises that England’s success in Australia often depends on effective spin bowling, making Jacks’ dual skill set particularly valuable. Additionally, Cork notes that England’s pace attack, led by Wood and Archer, should be well suited to the fast and bouncy wickets expected in Perth and Brisbane.

Such expert analysis highlights the selectors’ strategic choices, aiming to blend pace, spin, and aggressive batting to challenge Australia’s dominance on home soil.

What this means for England cricket fans

Fans can look forward to a well-balanced England side, combining experienced campaigners, injury comebacks, and exciting young talent. The Ashes series promises to be fiercely competitive, with England keen to improve on their previous performances in Australia.

For cricket enthusiasts interested in broader sports updates, our recent article on the Rothesay County Championship Division 1 latest standings offers insightful analysis on domestic cricket progress, complementing the international scene.

Conclusion: England’s readiness for the Ashes challenge

The 2025/26 Ashes squad announcement signals England’s readiness to contest fiercely in Australia, blending resilience, skill, and fresh leadership. With Stokes leading the charge and pivotal players returning from injury, England aims to reclaim Ashes glory. Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely as this talented squad embarks on one of cricket’s most storied rivalries.