England are set to announce their Ashes 2025/26 squad today: follow the live updates and reactions to the announcement here.
England are set to announce their squad for the upcoming Ashes in Australia later today, amid questions over the composition of the bowling attack, and the availability of key players. The series opener will be played in November, with England looking to win their first Test in Australia in 14 years.
Ashes 2025/26: What are the dates?
First Test: 21-25 November, Perth
Second Test: 4-8 December, Brisbane
Third Test: 17-21 December, Adelaide
Fourth Test: 26-30 December, MCG
Fifth Test: 4-8 January, Sydney
Ashes 2025/26: What will England's squad be?
There are few doubts over the composition of the top seven, if Ben Stokes is fit and available. If Stokes isn't fully fit, England might look at having Sam Curran as his backup. There's a question mark over Chris Woakes too, who hurt his shoulder during the India series, but opted against surgery.
In the bowling department, the obvious names are Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson, alongside Mark Wood (if fit). Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue could fit in based on the potential they've shown at the Test level. With Jamie Overton foregoing his red-ball career for now, there's space to add more to their seam attack.
In the spin department, Shoaib Bashir, now fit, should be the frontrunner, with Rehan Ahmed also making a strong case for himself.
England's squad for Ashes 2025/26: Live updates
England have also announced white-ball squads for New Zealand tour
ODI squad:
Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Jamie Smith (wk), Tom Banton, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Joe Root, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Luke Wood, Jamie Overton.
T20I squad:
Harry Brook (c), Jos Buttler (wk), Phil Salt (wk), Tom Banton, Zak Crawley, Jordan Cox, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Brydon Carse, Rehan Ahmed, Adil Rashid, Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Luke Wood, Jamie Overton.
Will Jacks is the shock inclusion in England’s squad for the 2025/26 Ashes, leapfrogging the likes of Rehan Ahmed, Liam Dawson and Jack Leach to be named as their second spinner. Ben Gardner explores the thinking behind the call.
No place for Chris Woakes
The veteran all-rounder, who injured his shoulder in the fifth Test against India, has failed to make the cut.
Matt Potts and Mark Wood return
Potts last played a Test in December 2024, while Wood was ruled out of the India Tests due to a knee injury. Both have been named in the squad for the Ashes, which includes seven seam bowling options.
Will Jacks picked over Rehan Ahmed and Liam Dawson
Jacks, a surprise inclusion, is the second spinner in the squad after Shoaib Bashir.
England's Ashes squad
Batters | Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root |
Wicketkeepers | Jamie Smith |
All-rounders | Ben Stokes, Will Jacks |
Spinners | Shoaib Bashir |
Fast bowlers | Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Matthew Potts, Josh Tongue, Mark Wood |
Harry Brook is England's new Test vice-captin!
He will take over the role from Ollie Pope for the Ashes.
England have confirmed a 16-player squad for the Ashes series in Australia, which begins in Perth on 21 November 2025.
When will the squad be announced?
England's Ashes squad is expected to be out in about five minutes. Stay tuned.
Will Ben Stokes be fit?
Stokes injured his shoulder while bowling in the fourth Test against India. He is expected to be available for the Ashes, but in case Stokes doesn't make it, it could mess up England's balance big time.
What could the pace attack look like?
Jofra Archer and Gus Atkinson are easy selections, as well as Mark Wood, if he's fit. Beyond them, England could go for Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue, with Olly Stone and Matt Potts among those who could be additional members of the touring party.
Who will be the second spinner?
Shoaib Bashir is likely to be the first choice, but who will support him? Among the main contenders are Rehan Ahmed and Liam Dawson
Will Chris Woakes be fit and available?
Woakes dislocated his shoulder during the India series, coming out to bat with a sling in the Oval Test, opted to rehab over surgery.
England are set to announce their Test squad later today
Follow all the live updates of the announcement here.
