England names 16-man Ashes squad for five-Test series

England named a 16-man squad for the five-Test Ashes series in Australia, which begins on November 21 in Perth. Ben Stokes was confirmed as captain and Harry Brook appointed vice-captain. The squad emphasizes pace — with Jofra Archer, Mark Wood (back from injury) and Durham seamer Matthew Potts among the options — and also includes Shoaib Bashir after recovery. Selectors made a surprise recall of all-rounder Will Jacks, despite a recent broken finger and limited red-ball bowling this season, describing him as a tactical spin back-up who adds batting depth. England’s management and commentators said they expect seamers and specialist batters to shoulder most of the wicket-taking burden amid concerns about the county game producing frontline Test spinners, and ECB director Rob Key said Chris Woakes, still recovering from a dislocated shoulder, is not in immediate Test plans after missing selection. The squad reflects a pragmatic approach as England chase their first Test series win in Australia since 2010–11.