England Names Injury-Returned Squad, Harry Brook Vice-Captain for Australia Ashes Series

England have named a 16‑man squad for the 2025/26 Ashes, which begins on November 21 in Perth, retaining Ben Stokes as Test captain despite a shoulder injury and with Stokes expected to be fit for the series. Harry Brook has been appointed vice‑captain in place of Ollie Pope, a move that increases Brook’s standing as a likely future Test captain and leaves Pope under pressure. The squad welcomes several comeback players — Mark Wood, Jofra Archer and Shoaib Bashir — and includes seamers Matthew Potts and the surprise pick Will Jacks as a second spin/all‑round option. Chris Woakes, who dislocated his shoulder, was omitted and leg‑spinner Rehan Ahmed missed out as selectors backed Jacks behind Bashir. England’s selection leans on a pace‑heavy attack as they prepare to chase a series win in Australia to regain the urn.