The ECB has just announced their squad for the biggest Test cricket series of all, the Ashes 2025. England will be travelling to Australia to take on their biggest rivals, and there are some surprising choices and some players who have been left out.
The squad selection has caused a lot of talk, and here are five of the most important things we’ve learned from it.
1. Return of Mark Wood, Chris Woakes to Miss Out
Fast bowler Mark Wood is back in the team after recovering from a knee injury. His super-fast bowling will be a big weapon for England on the hard and bouncy Australian pitches.
On the other hand, Chris Woakes will not be in the squad because he is still getting better from a shoulder injury. This is a big loss for England as Woakes has been a very reliable player for them.
2. Will Jacks a Surprise Inclusion?
Will Jacks’s name in the squad as the second spinner has surprised many people. He hasn’t played much Test cricket, but his ability to bat well down the order and his tall frame, which helps him get more spin on the ball, were likely key factors. He was chosen over more experienced spinners, like Jack Leach.
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3. Harry Brook over Ollie Pope as New Vice-Captain
In a big change to the leadership, Harry Brook has been named the new vice-captain, taking the role from Ollie Pope. This decision shows that the team sees Brook as a future leader. For Pope, losing the vice-captain role, especially with his recent lack of form, puts his place in the team in doubt.
 4. No place for Jack Leach
A major shock is that Jack Leach is not in the squad. He was a regular part of the team, but the selectors have decided to go in a new direction. They are trusting the younger Shoaib Bashir and the all-round skills of Will Jacks to handle the spin duties in Australia.
5. One Last Chance for Zak Crawley
Zak Crawley has kept his spot in the team despite not being very consistent. The selectors still believe in him as an attacking opening batsman. With no other specialist openers in the squad, this series could be his last chance to prove he belongs in the Test team.
Ashes 2025 Schedule:
- 1st Test: November 21-25 – Perth Stadium, Perth
- 2nd Test: December 4-8 – The Gabba, Brisbane (Day/Night)
- 3rd Test: December 17-21 – Adelaide Oval, Adelaide
- 4th Test: December 26-30 – Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne
- 5th Test: January 4-8 – Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney
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England Squad for Ashes 2025:
Ben Stokes (captain), Harry Brook (vice-captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Mark Wood.