England cricket team have announced their squad for the 1st Test against Australia in the Ashes which begins from November 21. Led by captain Ben Stokes, the visitors will be chasing history as they attempt to end the trophy drought in Down Under. Mark Wood, who picked up an injury earlier, has been cleared and found a place for himself in the squad.
England squad for 1st Ashes Test
Ben Stokes (c)
Jofra Archer
Gus Atkinson
Shoaib Bashir
Harry Brook
Brydon Carse
Zak Crawley
Ben Duckett
Ollie Pope
Joe Root
Jamie Smith (wk)
Mark Wood
Wood, who hasn’t played a Test since August 2024, complained of a tight left hamstring during the warm-up game against England Lions. Subsequently, he was taken for scans and was cleared of any concerns. With Wood’s addition, England’s pace battery has recieved a boost and currently comprises of Archer, Atkinso and Carse.
Meanwhile, spinner Shoaib Bashir has also made the cut.
The Ashes series will begin at Perth Stadium from 21st to 25th November 2025. This marks a continuation of the trend that has seen Perth host the opening Test for the past two Australian summers. Australia has an unbeaten record at this venue, which adds an element of excitement for fans and players alike.
2025-26 Men’s Ashes series dates:
- Perth Test (West Test): Perth Stadium | Nov 21-25
- Brisbane Test (Day/Night Test): Gabba | Dec 4-8
- Adelaide Test (Christmas Test): Adelaide Oval | Dec 17-21
- Melbourne Test (Boxing Day Test): MCG | Dec 26-30
- Sydney Test (New Year’s Test): SCG | Jan 4-8
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