Ben Stokes to Lead as England Announce Full-Strength Ashes Squad

England have gone all in for their Ashes defence, naming a 16-member squad packed with pace, spin options, and the seasoned leadership of Ben Stokes. The five-Test battle with Australia begins on November 21 in Perth and forms part of the ICC World Test Championship cycle.

Ben Stokes, who missed the final India Test this summer due to a shoulder injury, will be at the helm again. England’s medical team confirmed his recovery is on track, and the talismanic all-rounder will be fit to lead. He’s the heartbeat of this side. You could see the lift in the dressing room or in the ground when his name was read out.

Key Returns: Bashir and Wood

England’s announcement carried good news for fans. Shoaib Bashir, the young spinner who impressed early in the India series before a finger injury at Lord’s cut his campaign short, is back in the mix. His inclusion provides balance alongside frontline batters and all-rounders.

Equally significant is the return of Mark Wood. The fast bowler missed much of the home summer with a troublesome left knee, but his raw pace remains a vital weapon on the hard Australian surfaces. 

England’s Ashes 2025-26 Squad

Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Mark Wood.

That list tells its own story. Joe Root, England’s run machine, will again anchor the batting, while Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett likely open the innings. The exciting Harry Brook, who also captains the white-ball squads, adds firepower in the middle order.

Jofra Archer’s presence provides another headline. After years of battling injuries, his return to Test contention is a major boost. “If fit, Archer and Wood together could rattle any batting lineup,” said a former Ashes rival.

Ashes 2025-26 schedule

1st Test: November 21–25, Perth
2nd Test: December 4–8, Brisbane
3rd Test: December 17–21, Adelaide
4th Test: December 25–29, Melbourne
5th Test: January 3–7, Sydney

Brook Steps Up as White-Ball Captain

Before the Ashes fireworks, England will warm up with a limited-overs tour of New Zealand. Starting October 18, the trip features three T20Is and three ODIs, with Harry Brook entrusted as captain in both formats.

The decision to hand Brook the reins reflects England’s intent to blood a new leader in white-ball cricket. Still only 26, his rise has been rapid. Known for fearless stroke play, Brook now faces the challenge of shaping a team.

It’s an exciting step for Brook and they know New Zealand is never easy, but it’s a chance to set the tone.