Ashes Series 2025-26: England Announces 16-Member Squad. England Announces 16-Member Squad for 2025-26 Ashes Series: Jacks and Potts Included, Woakes Out.
Ashes Series 2025-26: England Announces 16-Member Squad
London, September 23, 2025 – England has named its 16-member squad for the much-anticipated Ashes series against Australia scheduled from November 2025 to January 2026. The squad includes strategic selections and notable exclusions as the team prepares for the battle to regain the Ashes urn on Australian soil.
Key Squad Highlights
New Inclusions: Will Jacks and Matthew Potts have earned spots in the touring party. Jacks returns to full fitness after recovering from a finger injury, while Potts adds pace bowling versatility to the attack.
Notable Exclusion: Chris Woakes, currently sidelined due to injury, has been omitted from the squad despite his previous Ashes experience.
Leadership Structure: Harry Brook has been appointed vice-captain, supporting captain Ben Stokes who is making steady progress in his recovery from previous injuries.
Complete Squad List
- Ben Stokes (Captain)
- Harry Brook (Vice-captain)
- Jofra Archer
- Gus Atkinson
- Shoaib Bashir
- Jacob Bethell
- Brydon Carse
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Will Jacks
- Ollie Pope
- Matthew Potts
- Joe Root
- Jamie Smith
- Josh Tongue
- Mark Wood
Strategic Approach and Preparation
Head coach Brendon McCullum revealed that the selection meeting was relatively brief, indicating confidence in the core squad composition. The primary discussion focused on the backup spinner position, with Shoaib Bashir confirmed as the primary spin option and Rehan Ahmed expected to serve as backup.
The team management has developed comprehensive workload management strategies for the demanding five-Test series, with adequate rest options available within the squad.
Series Schedule and Venues
The Ashes series begins at Perth Stadium, marking the first time this venue will host an Ashes Test match. The tour itinerary includes:
- 1st Test: Perth Stadium
- 2nd Test: Brisbane (Gabba - day-night Test)
- 3rd Test: Adelaide Oval
- 4th Test: Melbourne Cricket Ground
- 5th Test: Sydney Cricket Ground
Injury Management and Contingency Planning
Both Ben Stokes and Mark Wood are expected to be fully fit for the series commencement, significantly boosting England's bowling capabilities. The selection committee has established contingency plans to address potential injuries during the extended tour period.
Preparation Phase
Before the Ashes series, the England Lions team will provide reinforcement in warm-up matches, while some Test squad members may participate in preliminary white-ball series as part of their Ashes preparation regimen.
This squad announcement marks England's determined approach to end their 14-year wait for an Ashes Test victory in Australia, with a balanced mix of experienced campaigners and emerging talent under the leadership of Stokes and McCullum.
Ashes Series 2025-26: England Announces 16-Member Squad - FAQs
Q1: When and where does the Ashes 2025-26 series begin?
A1: The Ashes series begins on November 21, 2025, at Optus Stadium in Perth, Australia.
Q2: How many players are included in England's Ashes squad for 2025-26?
A2: England announced a 16-member squad for the Ashes series.
Q3: Who is the captain of the England Ashes squad?
A3: Ben Stokes is the captain of the England team.
Q4: Who is named as the vice-captain of the England Ashes squad?
A4: Harry Brook has been named vice-captain.
Q5: Which players were surprising inclusions in the squad?
A5: Will Jacks and Matthew Potts were surprise inclusions.
Q6: Which prominent England player was excluded from the Ashes squad due to injury?
A6: Chris Woakes was excluded due to ongoing recovery from a shoulder injury.
Q7: Is Ben Stokes fully fit for the Ashes?
A7: Ben Stokes is recovering from a shoulder injury but is on track to be available for the first Test.
Q8: Which fast bowler recently returned to the squad after knee surgery?
A8: Mark Wood has returned to the squad after recovering from knee surgery.
Q9: What role does Shoaib Bashir play in the team?
A9: Shoaib Bashir is a spinner and is expected to be the primary spin option.
Q10: What is the duration of the Ashes 2025-26 series?
A10: The five-Test series runs from November 21, 2025, through early January 2026.
Q11: Which player replaced Ollie Pope as vice-captain?
A11: Harry Brook replaced Ollie Pope as vice-captain.
Q12: Who will support the squad’s preparation with the England Lions?
A12: The England Lions squad will tour Australia with matches coinciding with the start of the Ashes.
Q13: What format(s) will England play before the Ashes series in New Zealand?
A13: England will play ODI and T20I formats against New Zealand before the Ashes.
Q14: When will the warm-up series in New Zealand take place?
A14: The Duke’s New Zealand tour begins on October 18, 2025.
Q15: Which venues will host the Ashes Tests in Australia?
A15: The venues include Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney.
