England Squad for Ashes 2025-26: Ben Stokes to Lead, Jofra Archer Finds a Place

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) formally revealed the powerful 16-man team for the next Ashes series, which begins on November 21, on Tuesday, September 23. One of the most significant choices made by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) selection committee was the selection of Harry Brook as the new vice-captain for Test cricket. The England National Cricket Team will play Pat Cummins & Co. in a high-stakes Test series in Australia.

The selectors have chosen the best team possible since they anticipate that this tour will be extremely difficult for the Three Lions. Stokes "remains on track to be available" for the first Test, which begins on Friday, November 21, in Perth.

Harry Brook Appointed Vice-Captain of England

In Test cricket, one of the best Test batsmen in the world, Harry Brook, the white-ball captain, has also been appointed vice-captain, taking Ollie Pope's place. Ollie Pope, who was the Test vice-captain for a considerable amount of time, was notable for his lacklustre batting efforts. With Jacob Bethell in the wings and Pope no longer in the captaincy, his spot in the starting line-up may be in jeopardy. In addition, Shoaib Bashir, who had a finger injury during the India series, has been added, and Harry Brook has been named vice-captain, taking Ollie Pope's place.

Will Jacks, who missed the previous white-ball series against New Zealand, is anticipated to return to full health in time for the Ashes, while Matthew Potts rounds out the 16-man roster. He last participated in a Test match against New Zealand in December 2024. Will Jacks has scored 136 runs in three innings, including 119 in one.

In addition to Stokes, the team includes seasoned players Ben Duckett, Pope, Joe Root, and Zak Crawley, with Jamie Smith serving as wicketkeeper. Along with Brydon Carse, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue, Wood, and Potts, Jofra Archer will spearhead a speed attack. Bashir is the primary spinner, with Jacks, Root, and Jacob Bethell offering additional spin possibilities.

On the last day of the fifth Test match against India, Woakes bravely returned to bat despite having his left arm in a sling after dislocating his shoulder on the first day. The 36-year-old is determined to return stronger in the future, but he has not been chosen, opting instead to concentrate on rehabilitation instead of surgery.

England Failed to Win on Australian Soil

The England Lions will play Team England in a warm-up match in Perth from November 13 to 15, according to the Ashes 2025–26 tour. Next, the series opener will be held in Perth's Optus Stadium from November 21 to 25. The second Test will then be held at Brisbane's The Gabba from December 4 to 8. Then, from December 17 to 21, the Adelaide Oval will hold the third Test, and from December 26 to 30, one of the most beautiful stadiums in the world, Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), will host the fourth Test. The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) will host the series finale from January 4–8, 2026. England hasn't won in Australia since the 2010–2011 series; however, they did draw 2-2 with them in the most recent Ashes series in 2023.

England Squad for The Ashes

Ben Stokes (Captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook (vice-captain), Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Josh Tongue, Mark Wood.