England announce Ashes squad: Harry Brook appointed Ben Stokes' deputy

NEW DELHI: England captain Ben Stokes is “on track” for the Ashes despite a recent shoulder injury, selectors confirmed Tuesday, as they named part-time spinner Will Jacks in a surprise inclusion for the Test series in Australia.Stokes missed the final Test against India at the Oval, which began on July 31, as England levelled the series 2-2. The selectors said the all-rounder “remains on track to be available” for the start of the much-anticipated five-Test series against arch-rivals Australia, beginning in Perth on November 21. However, his ability to contribute fully with the ball remains uncertain.

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Jacks, traditionally seen as a white-ball specialist, won his only two Test caps in Pakistan nearly three years ago.

The 26-year-old all-rounder has been included as a back-up off-spinner to Shoaib Bashir, ahead of Jack Leach, Liam Dawson, and Rehan Ahmed. He has 49 first-class wickets at 42.22 and 15 wickets across formats for England. Bashir is fit again following a finger injury.Harry Brook is confirmed as England’s vice-captain, replacing Ollie Pope, who is included in the 16-man squad as a batsman. Durham pacer Mark Wood returns after missing the entire English season due to a knee injury, while Jofra Archer is just two Tests into his comeback after multiple fitness setbacks.

Matthew Potts, also from Durham, has been selected despite last playing a Test in December 2024.England drew 2-2 with Australia at home in the last Ashes series in 2023 and have not won in Australia since 2010/11. The five Tests will be played in Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney.Before the Ashes, England will tour New Zealand for three T20s and three one-day internationals.England Ashes squad: Ben Stokes (capt), 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 (wk), Josh Tongue, Mark Wood.