As The Hundred 2025 is approaching its knockout phase, a few English cricketers are making waves with stunning performances, putting themselves in contention for an eventual Ashes 2025-26 pick.
As England gear up for their high-riding tour of Australia in November 2025, outstanding domestic form may be the clincher for players on the periphery. Injuries, poor form, and selection risks are always a threat, so Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum might yet consider fresh faces beyond the most obvious.
Below are seven in-form English stars from county cricket and The Hundred who are making a strong bid for inclusion in the Ashes 2025-26 team.
7 Strong Contenders For Ashes Inclusion 2025-2026
- Tawanda Muyeye – Talented Opening Prospect
The Hundred Runs: 124
Average: 31
Vitality Blast Runs: 516
County Championship Average: 36.23
Kent batter Tawanda Muyeye remains brilliant across the formats. A burst year in the Vitality Blast and a decent red-ball campaign make Tawanda Muyeye a strong candidate. Though of Zimbabwean origin, he is fully eligible for England and is being readied as a probable injury cover for the Ashes 2025-26.
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- Jordan Cox – Emerging Three-Format Star
The Hundred Runs: 198
Average: 66
Red-Ball Average (2025): 60
A true three-format talent, Jordan Cox is reaching top gear at the ideal moment. Having been twice prevented from making a Test call-up due to injury, his current form of batting for Oval Invincibles and in red-ball cricket must be taken seriously. Should England require middle-order support, Cox might at last have his Ashes chance.
- Jonny Bairstow – The Seasoned Ashes Veteran
The Hundred Runs: 200
Average: 50
Still hungry for international cricket, Jonny Bairstow is letting his bat do the talking. Bairstow’s levelheaded innings at the top of the order for Welsh Fire, his captaincy and Ashes experience provide him as a worthy wildcard if an opportunity arises in the middle order for Ashes 2025-26.
- Sonny Baker – Express Pace for Australian Conditions
The Hundred Wickets: 8
Average: 15.75
The young Manchester Originals fast bowler has caused serious commotion with his raw speed and fiery bowling. Recent England limited-overs call-ups mean Sonny Baker might be a late inclusion in the Test setup if England is looking for pace that feeds on bouncy Aussie pitches.
- Matthew Potts – The Seam Movement Specialist
The Hundred Wickets: 8
Average: 23.50
Though his Test career has not burst out yet, Matthew Potts is making a strong case with steady seam movement and endurance. His showings in The Hundred indicate that he may be a steady bet for the Ashes 2025-26, provided that England rotate their fast bowlers.
- Josh Tongue – High-Risk, High-Reward Quick
The Hundred Wickets: 10
Average: 9.50
Even though inconsistent, Josh Tongue keeps taking wickets in clumps. The leading international and domestic wicket-taker, Tongue’s bounce and pace might be perfect for Australia. If he develops better control, he’s an immediate candidate for the Ashes 2025-26 playing XI.
- Sam Curran – All-Round Genius Back in Groove
The Hundred Wickets: 10
Bowling Average: 10.30
Batting Average: 37.33
Sam Curran has become one of The Hundred’s leading performers with bat and ball. Left-arm seamer and all-rounder, he provides useful balance to the team, and his earlier Test contribution can’t be overlooked. Curran’s steady excellence might revive selectors’ interest in advance of Ashes 2025-26.
England’s Ashes 2025-26 Squad Still Taking Shape
With some of the players peaking perfectly in time, The Hundred 2025 and the County Championship are still influencing England’s selection pool. The Ashes 2025-26 tour will require adaptability, endurance, and touch precisely the things this pool of players is starting to highlight in profusion. As England’s selectors consider their options, these seven players have put themselves firmly in the mix.
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