The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has unveiled its 12-member squad for the decisive fifth Test of the Ashes 2025-26 series against Australia. The match is scheduled to be played at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) starting January 4, 2026.
Inclusions and Exclusions: Bashir and Potts Get the Nod
In a significant move, England have brought in off-spinner Shoaib Bashir and fast bowler Matthew Potts for the Sydney encounter. This marks a potential debut in the series for Bashir, who is yet to feature in the ongoing Ashes battle. The sole change from the side that secured a morale-boosting victory in the fourth Test at Melbourne is the exclusion of pacer Gus Atkinson.
Atkinson has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, joining an unfortunate list of English fast bowlers sidelined during this tour. He follows Mark Wood and Jofra Archer, who were also forced out earlier in the series due to injuries. This leaves Josh Tongue as the leader of a depleted but resilient pace attack.
Why the Spin Call? SCG Conditions Under Scanner
The selection of Shoaib Bashir hints at England's reading of the pitch conditions expected at the SCG. Historically known to assist spinners as a match progresses, the Sydney wicket has prompted the tourists to bolster their slow-bowling options. Spin has played a minimal role in the series so far, with pace dominating from the first Test in Perth.
This perspective was echoed by Australian off-spinner Todd Murphy earlier. Speaking about the SCG surface, Murphy stated, "I think it definitely can spin... there's still been a big part of the game that spin played." England's think tank, led by captain Ben Stokes, seems to be preparing for a scenario where a second spinner could be crucial.
England's Squad and The Series Context
After being humbled 3-0 in the first three Tests at Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide, England staged a remarkable comeback in Melbourne. The victory kept the series alive, denying Australia an outright series win on home soil. The team will now aim to level the series 2-2 in Sydney, a result that would be a monumental achievement given their injury crisis.
The full England playing XII for the Sydney Test is: Ben Stokes (Captain), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (WK), and Josh Tongue. The final playing XI will be announced at the toss on January 4th.
All eyes will now be on the SCG to see if England's tactical inclusion pays off and if they can secure a historic draw in a series where they were once completely outplayed.
