England have announced their 12-man squad for the first Test of the Ashes 2025–26 series in Perth, with Ben Stokes returning as captain and Will Jacks missing out. Mark Wood, who was recently under an injury cloud, has also been cleared and included in the squad.
Stokes Back to Lead England
Stokes, who missed the final Test of the Anderson–Tendulkar Trophy due to a shoulder injury, has made a timely comeback. The England captain has been working extensively on regaining full fitness and impressed during the warm-up games against the England Lions, where he bowled with confidence and rhythm.
Mark Wood Declared Fit After Injury Scare
Mark Wood’s availability was a major concern after he was believed to have picked up a hamstring issue during the warm-up fixture. However, after undergoing multiple assessments, the pacer has been cleared to bowl and is part of the 12-member squad.
Will Jacks, Bethell, Potts, Tongue Miss Out
From England’s larger traveling group, Jacob Bethell, Will Jacks, Matthew Potts, and Josh Tongue have not been named in the final 12.
Shoaib Bashir remains the only specialist spinner in the squad.
Pitch Conditions May Decide Final XI
The final playing XI will depend heavily on the conditions at Perth Stadium, known for its pace, bounce, and seam movement.
This could prompt England to go with an all-pace attack, although they have not played a Test in Australia without a specialist spinner since 1998.
Bashir’s selection adds intrigue — his high release point and ability to generate bounce make him a valuable asset, especially on surfaces where someone like Nathan Lyon has had immense success, taking 29 wickets at 20.86 at this venue.
If England decide to play both Wood and Bashir, Brydon Carse may be the player left out.
England’s Squad for First Ashes Test 2025–26
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Jofra Archer
- Gus Atkinson
- Shoaib Bashir
- Harry Brook
- Brydon Carse
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- Mark Wood
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