England have named a 16-player squad for the highly anticipated five-Test Men's Ashes series against Australia, commencing on 21 August. The selection, led by Managing Director Rob Key and Captain Ben Stokes, blends experienced campaigners with promising newcomers, signalling a clear intent to reclaim the famous urn on home soil. BBC Sport profiles each member of the squad set to take on the old enemy.
The Leadership Core
Ben Stokes (Captain)
The inspirational leader and heartbeat of the side, Stokes has redefined the role of England captain with his aggressive, positive brand of cricket. Since taking over the reins alongside head coach Brendon McCullum, he has overseen a remarkable turnaround in the team's fortunes. While a longstanding knee issue has limited his bowling, his batting remains explosive and his tactical acumen is second to none. His mere presence on the field lifts the entire team. As Stokes often says, "We want to entertain, but we want to win more than anything."
Ollie Pope (Vice-Captain)
Pope has firmly established himself as England's number three and Stokes' trusted deputy. His technique has matured significantly, and he plays a crucial role at the top of the order. A fluent, attractive stroke-maker, Pope has the ability to take the game away from the opposition quickly. His sharp fielding in the slips is an added asset. His experience of a tough Ashes series in Australia in 2021-22 will be invaluable.
The Opening Batters
Zak Crawley
Crawley's selection has often been a topic of debate, but his attacking style epitomises the 'Bazball' ethos. On his day, he can be utterly dominant, driving the ball with immense power. The management has shown immense faith in him, and a big Ashes series could cement his place for years to come. His height allows him to play with a high front elbow, creating a commanding presence at the crease.
Ben Duckett
Duckett has made a sensational return to the Test side, solidifying the opening spot with his unique method. His ability to score rapidly, particularly through the off-side with a plethora of cuts and drives, puts immediate pressure on the bowlers. He has formed a formidable partnership with Crawley, often giving England flying starts that set the tone for the innings.
The Top and Middle Order
Joe Root
The former captain and England's premier batsman. Root is the rock around which the innings is built. Freed from the burdens of captaincy, he has been in sublime form, blending classical accumulation with innovative stroke-play, including his famous reverse-scoop. A veteran of multiple Ashes campaigns, his experience and sheer class will be vital. He is also a more-than-handy part-time spinner.
Harry Brook
The young tyro has taken Test cricket by storm since his debut. Brook possesses an insatiable appetite for runs and scores them at a breathtaking rate. Fearless and powerful, he seems unfazed by any situation or bowling attack. While this will be his first taste of Ashes cricket, his performances to date suggest he will relish the challenge. A key player around whom England's aggressive middle-order batting revolves.
Dan Lawrence
Lawrence provides cover and competition for the middle order. An unorthodox and busy player, he offers a different dimension to the batting line-up. He has shown glimpses of his talent in his previous Test appearances and his part-time off-spin could be a useful option on dry pitches, adding to the squad's flexibility.
The Wicketkeepers
Jonny Bairstow
Bairstow is one of the pillars of England's resurgence under Stokes and McCullum. His breathtaking century at Trent Bridge against New Zealand in 2022 was a landmark innings for the new era. After a serious leg injury, he has fought his way back to fitness and form. A destructive batsman who can change the course of a game in a session, he is expected to resume the wicketkeeping duties.
Ben Foakes
Widely regarded as the best pure wicketkeeper in the country, Foakes offers a world-class glovework option. While his batting may not be as explosive as Bairstow's, he is a technically sound and dependable player capable of crafting important innings. His inclusion provides England with strategic flexibility and top-tier backup.
The All-Rounders
Moeen Ali
In a dramatic U-turn, the retired Moeen Ali answered England's call after an injury to first-choice spinner Jack Leach. His experience, aggressive batting, and prolific record against Australia make him a compelling selection. While his finger-spin has sometimes been expensive in Test cricket, he is a genuine wicket-taker who can change the momentum of a game.
Chris Woakes
The 'Warwickshire Watler' has an excellent record in English conditions. A skilful swing bowler and a more than capable lower-order batsman, Woakes provides balance to the side. His ability to bowl probing lines and lengths and contribute valuable runs makes him a key component of the squad, especially if conditions favour seam and swing.
Sam Curran
The left-arm angle and variations of Sam Curran offer a different challenge for Australian batsmen. He is a clever bowler who excels in white-ball cricket and brings those death-bowling skills to the Test arena. His fighting spirit with the bat is also a major asset, as he has proven on numerous occasions.
The Pace Attack
James Anderson
At 40, Anderson remains one of the finest fast bowlers to have ever played the game. His mastery over the swinging ball is unparalleled, and his fitness levels are remarkable. While his record in Australia is less dominant, in English conditions he is still the leader of the attack and a potent threat with the new ball. His economy and control build immense pressure.
Stuart Broad
The great Ashes warrior. Broad has a knack for producing magical spells when England need him most, famously exemplified by his 8-15 at Trent Bridge in 2015. His duel with David Warner is one of the great sub-plots of modern Ashes cricket. His height generates awkward bounce, and his skill with the wobble-seam makes him a constant threat.
Ollie Robinson
Robinson has quickly become a mainstay of the England attack. His metronomic accuracy and ability to extract seam movement make him a nightmare for batsmen. He boasts an outstanding Test average and has the ability to bowl long, containing spells while also taking crucial wickets. His batting lower down the order is also very useful.
Mark Wood
England's X-factor. Wood is the only bowler in the squad capable of consistently exceeding 90mph. His raw pace can disrupt any batting line-up and is seen as a key weapon against Australia's powerful top order. As Stokes has noted, "Having someone who can bowl at 95mph is a luxury for any captain."
Josh Tongue
The surprise inclusion in the squad, Tongue impressed on his debut against Ireland, showing good pace and control. He offers another point of difference with his ability to extract bounce and provides important cover for the established pace quartet. A promising talent for the future.
Matthew Potts
Potts burst onto the scene last summer with his whole-hearted bowling. A bustling seamer who hits the pitch hard, he has a happy habit of taking wickets. His inclusion adds depth to the pace bowling resources and ensures there is fierce competition for places.
Conclusion
This 16-man England squad represents a blend of proven class, fearless youth, and tactical flexibility. The selection shows a clear preference for players who fit the aggressive, positive mindset championed by Stokes and McCullum. With a mix of express pace, controlled seam, and spinning options, England have covered most bases for home conditions. The stage is set for a fascinating contest, with this group of players tasked with writing the next chapter in the storied history of the Ashes.