The Ashes series in Australia for 2025/2026 has announced its England squad, complete with some big changes. Harry Brook will replace Ollie Pope as vice-captain, as well as a few other surprises. Such changes could redefine the England team for the Test series that follows, as well as the white-ball tour to New Zealand prior.
Harry Brook Appointed Vice-Captain of the Ashes 2025/2026
In one of the most important leadership switches, Harry Brook has been made England’s Test team vice-captain for the Ashes 2025/2026, replacing Ollie Pope.
Pope, who had acted as interim captain for Ben Stokes in five Tests over the past 14 months, has fought with spotty form and is under mounting pressure on his spot in the team. His relegation, as suggested by England head coach Brendon McCullum recently, opens the door for Brook to take a more significant role.
Brook’s elevation follows his successful stint as England’s limited-overs captain in the early part of the year. His appointment as vice-captain is particularly important, given the doubt over Stokes’ fitness due to a shoulder injury. England authorities confirmed Stokes “remains on track” for the first Ashes Test in Perth on November 21, but Brook’s availability as a vice-captain provides further assurance.
Ollie Pope’s Demotion Opens Door for Jacob Bethell
One of the most anticipated aspects of the Ashes 2025/2026 series will be England’s No. 3 spot, with Ollie Pope’s demotion opening up a potential opportunity for Jacob Bethell to take over the role. Pope’s recent form has been a concern, finishing the summer Test series against India with an average of 34 after starting strongly with a century at Headingley.
Contrary to this, Bethell’s recent white-ball cricket success, such as a match-winning score in an ODI against South Africa, has put him in the spotlight.
Bethell will also get another opportunity to establish himself further during England’s white-ball tour of New Zealand, where he will aim to impress in limited-overs cricket before the Ashes. Bethell’s adaptability and ability to fit into the highest order position make him a likely candidate to bat at No. 3 in the Ashes series.
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Will Jacks’ Surprise Ashes Recall for 2025/2026
In one of the surprise picks, Will Jacks has been included in England’s Ashes squad, returning to Test cricket almost three years since his last appearance in Pakistan. Jacks, who played just five first-class games for Surrey in the past two years, has been selected over more senior spinners such as Rehan Ahmed, Liam Dawson, and Jack Leach.
Although Jacks has taken only six wickets in his first two Tests, they all came in the same innings, so selectors may be looking for a spinner with an attacking option. He will be the reserve spinner for the team, behind Shoaib Bashir. However, Jacks is going to miss the upcoming white-ball tour of New Zealand due to a finger injury he sustained while fielding against South Africa.
Mark Wood Returns from Injury Setback
The inclusion of Mark Wood in the Ashes team is one worth mentioning, considering he had missed the summer Test series due to a knee injury.
Wood’s experience in Australian conditions and his pace are some of the reasons why he is an important asset to England in the Ashes 2025/2026. Since Wood had played in Australia before, he is the sole seamer in England’s team who has Ashes experience. He will form a potent seam attack along with Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, and Josh Tongue.
Wood’s availability is a major plus for England, as he provides depth and variety to the bowling unit. But other pacers such as Matthew Potts, who is brought in as the sixth frontline quick, will be vying for attention, with some of them starting their first-ever Ashes tour.
Squad Announcements and Ashes Build-Up
The release of England’s Ashes squad for the 2025/2026 series has generated a lot of controversy surrounding who will hold the pivotal roles in the batting lineup.
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Other than the vice-captaincy switch, Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, and Joe Root will most probably be the main players in England’s batting lineup. Harry Brook, whose international cricket career has witnessed a meteoric growth, will also be a point to watch out for.
With Pope’s demotion, Jacob Bethell is likely the prime contender for No. 3, while batting offers stability with players such as Ben Stokes, Joe Root and Harry Brook from abaove to. England’s bowling we’ll lead by Mark Wood and Jofra Archer and Shoaib Bashir in what is already looking like an exciting Ashes.
England’s Tour to New Zealand: Important Preparations
Before the Ashes series, England will travel to New Zealand for a white-ball series, which will feature three T20Is and three ODIs. This will provide players for example Jacob Bethell and Zak Crawley, a chance to get in the groove pre-Test series. Zak Crawley who was given the opportunity after a fine showing in the Hundred, will be making his T20I debut on this tour.
Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, and Luke Wood will join the ODI squad, and Curran being recalled is a sign England are looking for balance in limited overs cricket. Jordan Cox has kept his spot in the T20I squad as a result of his match-winning performance against Ireland, but remains absent from the Ashes squad.
Ashes Fixtures 2025/2026
1st Test: November 21-25 (Perth)
2nd Test: December 4-8 (Brisbane, D/N)
3rd Test: December 17-21 (Adelaide)
4th Test: December 26-30 (Melbourne)
5th Test: January 4-8 (Sydney)
There will be a sequence of warm-up matches leading up to them, among them being a pivotal three-day match between England and England Lions, running from November 13-15 at Lilac Hill, just days out from the opening Test.
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