Ben Stokes as captain, Mark Wood returns, England announces 16-member squad for Ashes series against Australia

Ben Stokes named captain, Mark Wood returns from injury as England announces a balanced 16-member squad for the 2025/26 Ashes series against Australia.

New Delhi: The England men’s selection panel has announced a strong 16-player squad for the upcoming 2025/26 Ashes tour. The series will begin in Australia in November and run until January 2026. The team clearly reflects a balance of experience and youth.

Harry Brook appointed vice-captain, Mark Wood returns

The most important news from the team is that Harry Brook has been appointed England’s vice-captain for the Ashes this time. He replaces Ollie Pope. Fast bowler Mark Wood has also returned to the team after recovering from a knee injury, which is good news for England.

The presence of Bashir and Jacks increases the depth of the team

Somerset spinner Shoaib Bashir has also returned to the team after recovering from a finger injury. He was injured during the home Test series against India. All-rounder Will Jacks has also been included in the squad, although he is out of the limited-overs tour of New Zealand due to a finger injury.

Ben Stokes remains captain, fitness under scrutiny

Ben Stokes will continue to lead the team. He was ruled out of the final Test against India due to a shoulder injury, but his recovery is now well underway. He is expected to be fully fit for the first match of the Test series, which begins in November.

England Men’s Test Team (Ashes 2025/26) Players:

1. Ben Stokes (Captain) – Durham
2. Jofra Archer – Sussex
3. Gus Atkinson – Surrey
4. Shoaib Bashir – Somerset
5. Jacob Bethell – Warwickshire
6. Harry Brook (Vice-Captain) – Yorkshire
7. Brydon Carse – Durham
8. Zak Crawley – Kent
9. Ben Duckett – Nottinghamshire
10. Will Jacks – Surrey
11. Ollie Pope – Surrey
12. Matthew Potts – Durham
13. Joe Root – Yorkshire
14. Jamie Smith – Surrey
15. Josh Tongue – Nottinghamshire
16. Mark Wood – Durham

Ashes 2025/26 Schedule (UK time)

• 13-15 November: England v England Lions (Warm-up) Perth – 2:00 AM
• November 21-25: First Test, Perth – 2:30 AM
• November 29-30: Prime Minister’s XI vs. England, Canberra – 3:40 AM
• December 4-8: Second Test, Brisbane – 3:40 AM
• December 17-21: Third Test, Adelaide – 12:00 AM
• December 25-30: Fourth Test, Melbourne – 11:30 PM
• January 3-8: Fifth Test, Sydney – 11:30 PM

Story Highlights

1. Harry Brook appointed England’s new vice-captain for the Ashes.
2. Mark Wood returns to the Test team after recovering from injury.
3. The return of Shoaib Bashir and Will Jacks will strengthen the spin and bowling department. The all-round department has been strengthened.
4. England are ready under the captaincy of Ben Stokes, with his fitness being closely monitored.