Ashes 2025–26: England Announce Strong XII for Crucial Fifth Test

England have officially named a 12-man squad (XII) for the fifth and final Ashes Test against Australia, set to be played at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground. With the Ashes already decided, the final Test offers England a chance to restore pride, test bench strength, and plan for the future in challenging Australian conditions.

England’s XII for the Fifth Ashes Test

England’s named XII includes:

Zak Crawley
Ben Duckett
Ollie Pope
Joe Root
Harry Brook
Ben Stokes (Captain)
Jonny Bairstow (WK)
Chris Woakes
Brydon Carse
Josh Tongue
Matthew Potts
Shoaib Bashir

(Final XI to be confirmed at the toss)

The inclusion of Matthew Potts puts him in line for a potential Ashes debut, while the presence of Shoaib Bashir gives England a spin option depending on pitch behavior.

Key Selection Talking Points

1. Matthew Potts in Line for Ashes Debut

The most significant development is the inclusion of Matthew Potts, who has been part of the touring squad but is yet to feature in the series. With injuries affecting England’s fast-bowling resources, Potts offers:

Consistent line and length
Ability to extract bounce
Control during long spells

A debut at the SCG would be a major milestone in his Test career.

2. Pace-Heavy Attack Still the Priority

Despite the SCG traditionally offering assistance to spinners later in the game, England have again leaned toward pace depth. With Woakes, Carse, Tongue, and Potts all in the XII, England appear committed to:

Attacking with the new ball
Rotating seamers to manage workloads
Maintaining pressure through sustained spells

This approach mirrors England’s strategy throughout the series.

3. Shoaib Bashir as the Tactical Spin Option

Shoaib Bashir’s inclusion provides flexibility rather than certainty. England may choose to play:

Four seamers and one spinner if the pitch is dry
An all-pace attack if conditions look green or overcast

Bashir’s role could be crucial if the surface breaks up late in the Test.

Batting Unit: Backing Continuity

England have shown faith in their top and middle order, despite inconsistency earlier in the series.

Zak Crawley and Ben Duckett remain England’s first-choice opening pair, trusted for positive starts.
Joe Root continues as the batting anchor, England’s most reliable run-scorer in the series.
Harry Brook is backed to play freely, reflecting England’s long-term investment in his attacking instincts.

The selection suggests England want clarity of roles rather than experimentation with the bat.

Ben Stokes’ Role and Leadership

Captain Ben Stokes remains central to England’s plans, even as he manages fitness concerns. His leadership in the final Test will focus on:

Aggressive declarations if possible
Proactive field placements
Allowing bowlers attacking freedom

With the series result settled, Stokes is expected to captain with minimal conservatism.

What This Selection Tells Us About England’s Thinking

Short-Term Objective

Finish the series competitively
Avoid another heavy defeat
Build on momentum from the previous Test

Long-Term Objective

Assess bowlers like Potts and Tongue in Australian conditions
Develop a broader fast-bowling pool
Identify reliable combinations for future away tours

The selection is as much about learning as it is about results.

Probable Final XI from the XII

Based on conditions and balance, England’s likely XI could be:

Zak Crawley
Ben Duckett
Ollie Pope
Joe Root
Harry Brook
Ben Stokes (c)
Jonny Bairstow (wk)
Chris Woakes
Brydon Carse
Josh Tongue
Matthew Potts / Shoaib Bashir

Final Word

England’s XII for the fifth Ashes Test reflects a pragmatic and forward-looking approach. With injuries limiting options and the urn already retained by Australia, England have chosen to:

Reward patience
Test squad depth
Continue backing their attacking philosophy

The SCG Test now represents more than just a finale — it is an opportunity for England to finish the tour with intent, resilience, and clarity, while giving players like Matthew Potts a chance to write their own Ashes chapter.