Who will make England's 2025/26 Ashes squad?

Jaquob Crooke Updated: 28 Feb 25 11:47

The building blocks for this year's Ashes are being assembled and England only have dress rehearsals against Zimbabwe and India before heading to Australia for what's set to be a fiercely-contested series.

While Brendon McCullum's team managed to fight back from a two-nil deficit to salvage a draw in 2023, their old foes Australia still retained the urn and England will be desperate to claim their first Ashes triumph since 2015.

We've gazed into our crystal ball and made an attempt at guessing what England's squad may look like when they arrive in Perth for the first Test in November.

Ashes Series 2025/26

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Certainties

Ben Stokes

Captain. Leader. Legend.

Ben Stokes will be aiming to become the first England skipper since Andrew Strauss to lead his side to victory in Australia.

Joe Root

The form of Joe Root will be imperative if England are to defy the odds and reclaim the Ashes.

Harry Brook

In a similar vein to Root, England need Harry Brook to be firing on all cylinders during his first Ashes series Down Under.

Ben Duckett

Ben Duckett's reintegration as an opener is arguably the most significant selection decision of the Stokes-McCullum era and he's flourished, averaging 43.95 since returning to the Test side in 2022.

Zak Crawley

Zak Crawley will always have his doubters, but England will be hoping he can replicate his form of the previous Ashes series where he notched up three fifty-plus scores.

Mark Wood

A fit and healthy Mark Wood is crucial for England's attack.

The Ashington-born ace was bowling some of his fastest spells in the 2023 Ashes, exceeding speeds of 97mph and it's that immense pace which will cause Australia problems.

Jamie Smith

In at number seven is Jamie Smith, who's inherited the gloves from Ben Foakes and is now England's trusted wicketkeeper.

He's also very handy with the bat, as he showcased with his 111 against Sri Lanka at Old Trafford and his 89 against Pakistan in Rawalpindi.

Ollie Pope

England's top seven picks itself and although Ollie Pope's position in the squad is pretty much cemented, question marks remain over his position at number three.

The Surrey star has averaged 28.52 since his heroic 196 against India in January 2024 and McCullum will be hoping Pope rediscovers his sparkle. He needs to improve his 11.16 average in Australia, at the very least.

Likely to be included

Jofra Archer

In comparable fashion to Wood, England will be praying that Jofra Archer can keep himself healthy.

Attempting to manage his workload with one eye on the Ashes, it's hoped a rigorous schedule will yield a fit and firing Archer for the first Test in Perth.

Shoaib Bashir

It appears England are totally committed to Shoaib Bashir and the rookie will likely be the primary spinner when the Ashes commences in November.

There have been glimpses of what he can offer, most notably in the first Test against New Zealand in Christchurch at the end of 2024, although his 40.16 average prompts concern.

Brydon Carse

A breakthrough series in New Zealand showcased Brydon Carse's ability to influence proceedings with the ball and bat.

The Durham seamer claimed 25 wickets at 16.96 in his first four Test matches and tallied vital runs lower down the order. If he can remain fit, England have a valuable weapon in their ranks.

Gus Atkinson

If Carse's breakthrough was good, then Gus Atkinson's emergence on the Test scene was exceptional.

The 27-year-old has taken 38 wickets at 21.86 since making his debut against West Indies, where he upstaged James Anderson's farewell with a 12-wicket haul.

Atkinson could quite easily be England's leading wicket-taker in the Ashes.

Jacob Bethell

Jacob Bethell's maiden call-up resulted in the intense scrutiny of England's selection process but the Barbados-born all-rounder silenced his doubters in the Test series against New Zealand.

The prodigious 21-year-old is immensely talented and is a solid fall-back option in the wake of injuries or, dare we say it, poor form.

Jordan Cox

Jordan Cox's skillset caught the eye of England selectors and the wicketkeeper batter, who holds an Australian passport, will provide depth to England's batting department.

Starting his career as an opener, Cox is more accustomed to batting at four, although he could potentially slot in at three if required.

Jack Leach

Just when it appeared Jack Leach's England career was fading into a memory once more, the Somerset spinner exploded back into life against Pakistan with seven wickets to remind everyone there's still plenty he can offer.

England need to make the most of him while they still can.

Olly Stone

England are healthily stocked in terms of fast bowlers and Nottinghamshire's Olly Stone appears to have overcome the injury issues that have plagued his career at an opportune time.

Stone's Test numbers read 17 wickets at 23.52 and he can bowl at impressive pace, delivering mightily fast spells that can hurt opponents.

Outsiders

Chris Woakes

An influential figure in England's 2023 Ashes fightback, doubt remains over whether Chris Woakes can thrive on Australian soil given his history Down Under but the veteran has proven on countless occasions that he remains a threat.

Will England fall back on their tried and trusted? Or will they persist with a young gun approach? I guess we'll have to see.

Rehan Ahmed

Rivalling Bashir and Leach in the spin department is leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed, who could consider probably himself unfortunate if he was to be omitted from England's Ashes squad.

The 20-year-old has already taken 22 Test wickets in his fledgling career and could be a potential wildcard, although the lack of spin-friendly venues limits his chances.

Josh Tongue

Another in England's vast armoury of fast bowlers is Josh Tongue, who is on the comeback trail following a 15-month injury lay-off.

Highly-rated by England management, it will be interesting to see if he can work his way back into contention in the coming months.

Matthew Potts

Matthew Potts has proven himself to be a dependable figure when called upon by England with 36 wickets at an average of 29.44. His versatility may prove a vital asset, although he's likely to find himself down the pecking order.

Josh Hull

Another unconventional selection from the England hierarchy, left-arm seamer Josh Hull stands at 6ft 7in and would certainly provide the team with a unique threat.

Given he's still 20, the upcoming Ashes series may come to soon for the Leicestershire prodigy.

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