England announces 16-member Test squad for upcoming Ashes, no place for Chris Woakes

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England have named their 16-member Test squad for the upcoming Ashes 2025/26 series, with Ben Stokes retaining the captaincy. The selectors, in their announcement on Tuesday (September 23), also appointed Harry Brook as vice-captain, replacing Ollie Pope. Brook’s rise into a leadership role highlights his growing stature within the team after a consistent run of performances across formats.

Fast bowler Matthew Potts and all-rounder Will Jacks have been recalled to the Test fold. Potts, who last featured in a Test against New Zealand in December 2024, has been in strong County Championship form, bagging 28 wickets in 10 games with a best of 4/84. Jacks, recovering from a finger injury that ruled him out of the New Zealand white-ball series, is expected to regain full fitness in time for the Ashes. The 25-year-old last played Test cricket against Pakistan in December 2022.

Mark Wood, who was sidelined due to a knee injury, has recovered and bolsters England’s pace attack alongside Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, Gus Atkinson, Josh Tongue and Potts. Shoaib Bashir, who picked up a finger injury during the India series, has also been named in the squad as the frontline spinner. Bashir will be supported by part-time options in Joe Root, Jacob Bethell and Jacks.

A major talking point from the squad announcement was the exclusion of Chris Woakes. The 36-year-old all-rounder dislocated his shoulder during The Oval Test against India earlier this year but had expressed his determination to return in time for the Ashes through focused rehab rather than surgery. Despite his efforts, the selectors opted against his inclusion, leaving England without his experience in the upcoming series.

The squad features a blend of experience and fresh energy. Veterans like Joe Root, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope provide stability in the batting department, while wicketkeeper Jamie Smith adds depth behind the stumps. With Stokes at the helm and a rejuvenated bowling unit, England will look to mount a strong title defense in the historic series against arch-rivals Australia.

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

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