England Cricket has picked its 16-player team for the Ashes 2025-26 series, which starts on November 21 in Perth, Australia. This shows that England is ready to fight for one of cricket’s biggest prizes.
Read on to learn about England’s new vice-captain, which players are back from injury, and why this team could help England win the Ashes for the first time in Australia since 2015.
England Men’s Complete Ashes Team
England has picked a strong mix of old and new players for their trip to Australia. Top players like Ben Stokes, Joe Root, and Jofra Archer are in the team, while new players like Jacob Bethell get their chance to play in this big series.
Here are all 16 players picked for England’s 2025-26 Ashes team:
- Captain: Ben Stokes
- Vice-Captain: Harry Brook
- Batters: Joe Root, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett
- Wicket-Keeper: Jamie Smith, Ollie Pope
- All-Rounder: Will Jacks, Jacob Bethell, Gus Atkinson
- Bowlers: Jofra Archer, Mark Wood, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue, Matthew Potts, Shoaib Bashir
Harry Brook Becomes The New Vice-Captain
In a big change, Harry Brook is now England’s vice-captain, taking over Ollie Pope. Brook has been playing really well for England and is now one of the best batters in the world.
Brook becoming vice-captain is very important because Ben Stokes hurt his shoulder and might not be fully fit. Brook will help lead the team and also score lots of runs to help England win.
The Yorkshire player has played 30 Tests for England and knows how to play well in big matches. His job as vice-captain will be very important during this long five-match series.
Key England Players Make Comeback From Injury
England got great news when some key players came back after being hurt. Mark Wood, who bowls very fast, is back in the team even though he missed all the matches at home because of a hurt knee.
Jofra Archer, one of England’s best fast bowlers, is also in the team after dealing with injuries all year. Ben Stokes is getting better from his shoulder problem and should be ready to play.
These fast bowlers coming back give England a very strong bowling attack that can compete with Australia’s good batters. Wood has played in Australia before, which makes him very useful for this trip.
Surprise Picks and Players Left Out
Selectors made some big decisions for the Australia trip. Will Jacks got picked for the team even though many people didn’t expect it. He hasn’t played much red-ball cricket since 2022.
Jacob Bethell, who is only 21 years old, got picked because England believes in young players. He might bat at number three in his first Ashes series.
But some players were left out. Chris Woakes couldn’t be picked because he’s still recovering from a hurt shoulder. Matthew Potts got picked as the sixth fast bowler.
England’s Ashes History and Dreams
England last won the Ashes in Australia in 2015, which was 14 years ago. This makes this trip very special for the current team. The team has been playing exciting cricket under coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes.
This team gives England their best chance in many years to win in Australia. With good batters, many bowling options, and strong leaders, England thinks they can end their long wait to win the Ashes in Australia.
The players and coaches all want the same thing: to bring the Ashes trophy back to England for the first time since 2015.
England’s First Test At Perth Stadium
England will start their Ashes series on November 21 at Perth Stadium in Australia. This will be the first time Perth Stadium will host an Ashes match, making it very special.
The Perth pitch usually helps fast bowlers, which should be good for England’s fast bowlers like Archer, Wood, and Atkinson. But Australia will have the advantage of playing at home.
Cricket fans all over the world will watch to see how England’s new team does in Australian conditions.
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Conclusion: England Ready For Ashes Success
When England plays in Perth on November 21, they will start their most important tour in years. England has put together their strongest team for an Australian Ashes series in a long time.
Key players like Mark Wood and Jofra Archer are back from injury, and new talents like Jacob Bethell are getting their chance. With stars like Joe Root and Ben Stokes still playing well, England has a real chance to end their long wait to win the Ashes in Australia.
After months of preparation and picking the right players, this tour will show if England can win the Ashes in Australia again.
FAQs
Ben Stokes is still England’s captain, and Harry Brook is now the vice-captain, taking over from Ollie Pope.
The Ashes series starts on November 21, 2025, with the first match at Perth Stadium in Australia.
Mark Wood (hurt knee) and Jofra Archer both got better from their injuries and are in the 16-man team.
Will Jacks was a surprise pick for the Test team, and Jacob Bethell is the young player getting his first Ashes chance.
England last won an Ashes series in Australia in 2015, making this their first real chance in 10 years to win there again.
