(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Harry Brook Named Vice-Captain as England Announce 16-Man Ashes Squad
England have unveiled their 16-man Test squad for this winter’s Ashes tour of Australia, with Harry Brook earning the spotlight. The 26-year-old, already England’s white-ball captain, has been promoted to vice-captain of the Test side, replacing Ollie Pope.
The move marks a major change in England’s red-ball leadership. Pope, who had deputised for Ben Stokes five times over the past 14 months, has been sidelined following a dip in form and growing pressure on his No. 3 position.
Brook’s elevation reflects his rising status in England cricket and also serves as a contingency plan. With captain Ben Stokes recovering from a shoulder injury, Brook could be called upon to lead England in the Ashes if Stokes’ fitness issues continue.
One of the most surprising selections is all-rounder Will Jacks. Last seen in Test cricket during England’s 2022 tour of Pakistan, Jacks returns as a reserve spinner behind Shoaib Bashir, despite making only five first-class appearances in two years. He was chosen over Rehan Ahmed, Liam Dawson, and Jack Leach.
Pace bowler Matthew Potts also makes a return, while Chris Woakes misses out due to injury. Mark Wood, who missed the summer with a knee problem, is back and remains the only seamer with prior Ashes experience in Australia.
England’s 2025/26 Ashes Squad:
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Ben Stokes – Captain
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Harry Brook – Vice-Captain
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Jamie Smith – Wicketkeeper
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Jofra Archer – Bowler
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Gus Atkinson – Bowler
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Shoaib Bashir – Bowler
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Jacob Bethell – All-rounder
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Brydon Carse – Bowling All-Rounder
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Zak Crawley – Batter
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Ben Duckett – Batter
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Will Jacks – All-rounder
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Ollie Pope – Batter
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Matthew Potts – Bowler
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Joe Root – Batter
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Josh Tongue – Bowler
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Mark Wood – Bowler
The Ashes series begins on November 21 in Perth, followed by matches in Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney.
With Stokes’ fitness in question, Pope’s form under scrutiny, and a few surprise picks, England’s Ashes campaign promises plenty of intrigue. The team has not won an Ashes series Down Under since 2010–11, but head coach Brendon McCullum will be hoping his squad of young talents can end that drought this year.
Ashes 2025/26 Schedule:
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1st Test: Nov 21–25, Perth
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2nd Test: Dec 4–8, Brisbane
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3rd Test: Dec 17–21, Adelaide
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4th Test: Dec 25–29, Melbourne
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5th Test: Jan 3–7, Sydney
