England are keeping their cards close to their chest. Abandoning their usual practice of naming the playing XI well in advance, the Ben Stokes-led side have announced just a 12-man squad for the first Ashes Test against Australia. The long-awaited series kicks off at Perth Stadium on Friday 22 November.
England have named a 16-man squad for the Ashes, which they have now whittled down to 12. Will Jacks, Jacob Betthel and pacers Matthew Potts and Josh Tongue have been left out.
There was speculation about it England could attack at full speed to an opener to be played on a green seamer. However, Shoaib Bashir has been included in the 12, meaning the decision on whether to play the spinner will be left until the morning of the match.
Optus Stadium curator Isaac McDonald has promised a lively surface with pace and bounce for the series opener. The first appearance of the course supported expectations of a green top. However, according to the BBC, England believe the surface is slightly drier than expected, prompting them to keep their spin option open.
England have also opted to stick with Ollie Pope at No.3 despite his modest record in Australia, where he averages 11 in three Tests. However, Pope strengthened his case with a hundred and ninety in England’s only warm-up match against the Lions after arriving in Perth.
There were also doubts over Mark Wood’s availability. The express pacer, who returned from a long injury lay-off, was taken for a scan after bowling 8 overs in the warm-up match. Fortunately, he was disqualified. Wood was seen in full force at England training on Tuesday.
For now, it looks like Jacob Bethell will have to wait. But if Pope struggles in the first few Tests, the highly-rated left-hander is likely to be in contention.
England 12-man squad for Ashes 1st Test
Ben Stokes (capt), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Mark Wood
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Issued by:
Akshay Ramesh
Published on:
November 19, 2025
