England announces a 16 -member test team for upcoming ashes, no place for Chris Woakes

England appointed their 16 -members test team for the next Ashes 2025/26 series, with Ben Stokes Keep the captain’s position. The selectors, in their announcement on Tuesday September 23, also appointed Harry Brook as vice-captain, replacing Ollie Pope. The increase in Brook in a leadership role highlights its growing stature within the team after a series of coherent performance between formats.

Matthew Potts and Will Jacks will return to the test configuration

The Quick Matthew Potts launcher and the versatile will be recalled to the test fold. Potts, which was presented for the last time in a test against New Zealand in December 2024, was in the form of a solid county championship, obtaining 28 counters in 10 games with a better 4/84. Jacks, recovering from an injury to the finger that excluded him from the New Zealand Blancball series, is expected to resume full shape in time for the ashes. The 25 -year -old played the testing cricket against Pakistan in December 2022 for the last time.

Mark Wood, who was sidelined due to a knee injury, recovered and strengthens the attack on the rhythm of England alongside Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue and Potts. Shoaib Bashir, who made a finger injury during the India series, was also appointed to the team as a front line. Bashir will be supported by part -time options in Joe Root, Jacob Bethell and Jacks.

Chris Woakes left out despite the resumption offer

A major discussion subject of the team’s announcement was the exclusion of Chris Woakes. The 36 -year -old versatile fought his shoulder during the oval test against India earlier this year, but had expressed his determination to come back in time for the ashes by targeted rehabilitation rather than surgery. Despite his efforts, the selectors opted against his inclusion, leaving England without his experience in the next series.

The team offers a mixture of experience and fresh energy. Veterans like Joe Root, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope ensure the stability of the strikers department, while the goalkeeper Jamie Smith adds depth behind the stumps. With Stokes at the helm and a rejuvenated bowling unit, England will seek to set a defense of the solid title in the historic series against the Rivals of Arch.

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Test team in England for the ashes 2025-26

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

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