Key Highlights
- Mark Wood included in 12-man England squad for first Test vs Australia.
- Bashir is England’s spin option for the series opener at Optus Stadium.
- England may opt for an all-pace frontline attack given the pitch conditions at Perth.
- Ben Stokes named as captain of the team.
The Ashes: England Assembles Squad for First Test
England has announced a 12-man squad for the first Ashes Test against Australia, with Mark Wood included after recovering from a hamstring injury. The squad aims to feature an all-pace frontline attack, given the expected lively conditions at Optus Stadium in Perth.
Mark Wood’s Return
Fast bowler Mark Wood has been cleared following a tight hamstring issue that sidelined him during England’s warm-up against the Lions last week. Wood demonstrated impressive pace in nets on Tuesday and is set to join an enlarged group of quicks including Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, Gus Atkinson, and Ben Stokes himself.
Shoaib Bashir’s Spin Option
Bashir remains England’s primary spin option for the series opener. Despite his struggles in the warm-up match at Lilac Hill, where he took 2-151 from 24 overs, he still holds the position over Will Jacks. This decision was made following Michael Atherton’s comments on Sky Sports Cricket podcast, where he stated that Bashir seemed peripheral during the warm-ups.
England’s Team Composition
The squad features players like Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, and Harry Brook. The batting lineup is set to be led by Ollie Pope after his century in the warm-up fixture. Bowlers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts are omitted from the squad along with seamers Will Jacks.
England’s captain Ben Stokes expressed confidence in Wood’s fitness, stating that the final decision will not revolve around it but rather on the balance of the side and whether to field a spinner or not. The pitch at Optus Stadium is expected to be lively, providing an enticing prospect for two England’s fastest bowlers, Mark Wood and Jofra Archer.
Pre-Ashes Build-Up
The build-up to the Ashes series has been significant, with Ben Stokes urging his squad to rise to the magnitude of The Ashes. Atherton echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the excitement and surreal nature of being part of such a historic tournament.
With Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins missing out for Australia, England sees an opportunity to exploit these conditions. The first Test is set to begin on Friday, November 21, with the fixture taking place at Optus Stadium in Perth.
The Ashes series will feature five Tests across different venues, including The Gabba in Brisbane, Adelaide Oval, Melbourne Cricket Ground, and Sydney Cricket Ground.
England’s squad for the first Test is as follows: Ben Stokes (captain), Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir.
The Ashes 2025/26 series promises to be a thrilling contest with all eyes on the pitch dynamics and the performances of England’s fast bowlers. The upcoming Tests will undoubtedly set the tone for the rest of the series.
