Ben Stokes to Captain England in 2025-26 Ashes Tour with Harry Brook as Vice-Captain

England Announces Squad for 2025-26 Ashes Tour

Ben Stokes has been appointed as the captain of a 16-member squad for the upcoming 2025-26 Ashes tour in Australia, with young talent Harry Brook stepping in as vice-captain, as confirmed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday.

The ECB's announcement stated, “The England Men's selection panel has finalized a 16-player squad for the 2025/26 Ashes tour of Australia. Harry Brook has been named as the vice-captain, taking over from Ollie Pope.”

Sixteen players, three lions, one goal!

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) September 23, 2025

Additionally, fast bowler Mark Wood, who last participated in a Test match in August 2024, is making a comeback after recovering from a knee injury. Spinner Shoaib Bashir is also back in the squad after healing from a finger injury sustained during the home series against India.

Inclusion of Potts and Jacks; Stokes on Recovery Path

Matthew Potts, a seamer from Durham, and Will Jacks, an all-rounder from Surrey, have both been included in the squad. Potts last played in December 2024 against New Zealand, while Jacks earned his latest Test cap in December 2022 against Pakistan. Although Jacks will miss the white-ball tour of New Zealand due to a broken finger, he is expected to be fit for the Ashes.

Captain Ben Stokes is currently recovering from a shoulder injury that prevented him from participating in the final Test against India at The Oval. He is on track to be ready for the Ashes series, which begins on November 21.

England's Quest to Break 10-Year Ashes Drought

The upcoming Ashes series in Australia holds significant importance for England. This tour represents their opportunity to secure their first away Ashes series victory since 2011 and their first overall since 2015. It will serve as a true test of their 'Bazball' approach to cricket under the leadership of Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum, especially in the challenging, fast-paced, and bouncy conditions of Australia.

England's Squad for the Ashes Series Against Australia: Ben Stokes (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue, Mark Wood.