England Names Ben Stokes-Led Squad for Ashes 2025-26 Australia Series

England has announced its 16-man squad for the upcoming Ashes series against Australia, which begins on November 21 in Perth. Ben Stokes will captain the team despite recovering from a shoulder injury, with Harry Brook named as the new vice-captain, replacing Ollie Pope. Key players like Jofra Archer and Mark Wood have been included as they continue their injury comebacks, while Chris Woakes has been excluded due to ongoing fitness concerns from a dislocated shoulder. The squad also features Surrey's Will Jacks, picked as a potential second spin option alongside Shoaib Bashir, who has recovered from a finger injury. Matthew Potts is included following Jamie Overton's break from Test cricket, and Leicestershire's Rehan Ahmed misses out despite strong county performances. England aims to improve on their last Ashes result, having drawn the previous series at home but not winning in Australia since 2010/2011.