England have decided to bring all-rounder Will Jacks into their squad for the Brisbane Test against Australia starting on Thursday, December 4. Jacks comes in to replace the injured Mark Wood in the line-up, the only change the visitors make after the loss in Perth.
England attacked at full pace in Perth and the match was over in two days thanks to Travis Head’s second innings heroics. Before the pink ball test, Wood suffered a knee injury which effectively eliminated him from the competition. Many expected Josh Tongue to be a natural replacement for the pacer, but England opted to bolster their batting line-up with Jacks.
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The all-rounder also provides a new dimension to England’s spin bowling attack. Known for his exploits in white-ball cricket, Jacks played just two Tests and scored 89 runs. However, he had a memorable debut against Pakistan, where he picked up five wickets.
Jacks played 57 first-class games and scored 2591 runs at an average of 34.54. He also took 49 wickets at an average of 42.22 during this time. England suffered two batting collapses in Perth and failed to capitalize on the advantage the bowlers gave them in the first innings after Australia were bowled out for 132.
England scored 172 and 164 in both innings and chased down their target of 205 runs in 28.2 overs on the back of Head’s 123 off 83 balls. England continued to have faith in Zak Crawley despite his current poor form, with Jamie Smith again keeping wickets.
England playing XI for Brisbane
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer.
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Published on:
December 2, 2025
