For the first Test of the 2025–26 Ashes in Perth, England has announced its 12-man squad. Mark Wood, the fast bowler, has been cleared to play following his recovery from a hamstring scare. England is keeping its options open as they contemplate an all-seam attack for the opening match of the prestigious series, which gets underway on November 21 at the Perth Stadium.
England is hoping to break their protracted drought in Australia when the Ashes return. Over the past two years, Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum have largely relied on their aggressive philosophy, and the Perth environment gives them an opportunity to show off their natural speed. After experiencing tightness during last week’s warm-up game against the Lions, Wood’s fitness had been questioned; but, scans and rigorous training sessions allowed him to be selected.
Earlier this week, Wood participated in fielding drills and pitch inspections while bowling briefly during England’s training sessions in Perth.
He could be included in the final XI because of his experience in Australia, where he took 17 wickets during the most recent tour, including a career-best 6 for 37 in Hobart.
The only spinner in England’s squad is Shoaib Bashir.
Shoaib Bashir is the only spinner for England in the first match. With Nathan Lyon averaging less than 21 at the venue, the dryness of the Perth surface has prompted concerns about whether the typically quick pitch has also favoured spin. Bashir’s high release and powerful overspin keep him in the running even after a costly game against the Lions. Bashir will be left out if England decides to go all pace, thus Wood, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse and Stokes will be the pace units that England will field in an Ashes Test abroad.
However, because their speed attack mostly relies on Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and rookie Brendan Doggett, Australia starts the opening match without Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Sean Abbott. There is still uncertainty in the batting order, especially in the No. 3 position between Cameron Green and Marnus Labuschagne.
The England team for the test in Perth
Ben Stokes (c), Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Mark Wood
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