Will Jacks, who last played a Test in December 2022, was given a recall by the Three Lions in a major surprise when the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) revealed a 16-man team for the 2025 Ashes on September 23 (Tuesday). Due to his outstanding red-ball form, all-rounder Rehan Ahmed was predicted to be selected; instead, England picked up Jacks, who has only appeared in three County Championship games for Surrey this season.
In yet another significant move, England promoted white-ball skipper Harry Brook to vice-captaincy after dismissing Ollie Pope. Pope led England in their most recent Test match against India two months ago, but because to his inconsistent play and doubts over his future in the squad, the management has given Brook the role of vice-captain.
Mark Wood, who hasn’t played in a Test match in almost a year, is back, while Chris Woakes is out after suffering a shoulder injury in the Old Trafford Test against India. Alongside Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Brydon Carse, and Matthew Potts, Wood will lead England’s pace attack. Liam Dawson was left off the roster, leaving Shoaib Bashir as the team’s only specialist spinner.
The batting group has not been expanded, and the top six is anticipated to remain unchanged from the India series. Jacks and Jacob Bethell are the batting reserves, and if England decides to make a change, one of them will enter the starting lineup.
Perth will host the first Ashes Test starting on November 21. Since the 2010–11 Ashes, England has failed to win a Test match in Australia.
The Ashes team for England
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