England announce squad for fifth Ashes 2025-26 Test vs Australia
England have named a 12-player squad for the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney, aiming to finish the 2025-26 series against Australia.
The England and Wales Cricket Board has named a 12-man squad for the fifth and final Ashes Test against Australia. The match will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground and will begin on Sunday, 4 January. England head into the last game looking to finish the long tour on a positive note.
After a demanding series, England will aim to carry forward the confidence gained from their win in Melbourne. Although the visitors are trailing in the series, the recent victory has lifted spirits within the camp. The final Test gives England a chance to show fight and consistency.
The selectors have made a few changes to strengthen the squad for Sydney conditions. With the pitch often offering help to both seamers and spinners, England have focused on adding balance and depth to their bowling attack.
Fresh faces and injury update for Sydney Test
Spinner Shoaib Bashir and fast bowler Matthew Potts are the two additions to the squad. Their inclusion gives England more bowling options as they prepare for the final challenge of the tour. The team management will assess conditions before deciding the final playing XI.
Bashir has finally earned his opportunity after waiting patiently throughout the series. However, he has not played in any test match until now but is still involved in practice matches and A-team matches. His performance in the background kept him in contention for a late call-up to the team. Potts is also included in the team and is his first selection in 2024. The right-arm seamer has played 10 Tests and taken 36 wickets, and his experience could prove useful in Sydney. Meanwhile, Gus Atkinson misses out after suffering a left hamstring injury during the Melbourne Test, which ruled him out of the remainder of the tour.
England, led by Ben Stokes, currently trails the Ashes series 3–1. After losses in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide, the win at Melbourne brought renewed belief. The Sydney Test now offers England one final chance to end the tour with momentum and pride.
England squad for fifth Ashes Test
Ben Stokes (Captain), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (WK), Josh Tongue.
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