England have named fast bowler Mark Wood in their 12-man squad for the first Ashes Test against Australia from Friday, raising the possibility of an all-seam front attack in Perth.
Wood suffered a hamstring strain on the opening day of England’s only preliminary match against the Lions last week and was given an all-clear on Tuesday after bowling at breakneck speed at the net.
The 35-year-old, likely playing his first Test since August 2024, will be joined in an expanded group by fellow quicks Jofra Archer, Brydon Kearse, Gus Atkinson and captain Ben Stokes, with Shoaib Bashir a spin option.
The Optus Stadium pitch is expected to be lively and England may be tempted to push the pace at full strength with Bashir at his side, who struggled with a total of 24 overs and 2-151 in the warm-up at Lilac Hill.
“If you look at all the Tests[in Western Australia]historically, pace and bounce have been the mainstay and that hasn’t changed. We’re going to stick to our guns,” Perth groundsman Isaac MacDonald said.
Mark Wood bowled an “absolutely fast” ball at the net on Tuesday, according to England teammate Jamie Smith.
Speaking on Wednesday about the possibility of England selecting Wood and Archer in the same Test XI for the second time, captain Ben Stokes said: “There are still a few days until that happens. As always, we will see the team as we get closer.”
Bashir has not played a competitive game since July after fracturing his pinky finger in the third Test against India at Lord’s, while Wood last featured properly in February, after which the seamer underwent knee surgery and missed the summer at home.
As expected, Ollie Pope won the battle for third place with Jacob Bethell for the first time in 100 years, scoring 90 points in the tune-up match. Bethel, seamers Josh Tan and Matthew Potts and off-spinning all-rounder Will Jacks have been ruled out.
It’s often said that you pick people who bowl faster, but they’re incredibly good as well and have shown that time and time again in a variety of situations. Pace is not just about winning test matches.
Ben Stokes talks about England’s pace options
Others expect all-pace attack: “Archer and Wood are drooling.”
Michael Atherton of Sky Sports Cricket:
“The surprise was Bashir. While Jax was fine, he looked a bit peripheral in the warm-up. One or two thought Jax might sneak into the 12 before Bashir, but he didn’t. Bashir remains England’s No. 1 spinner.”
Shoaib Bashir will be England’s spin option in Ashes opener at Optus Stadium
“I think it shows that the team is quite confident in Wood’s fitness and the final decision will instead be based on the balance of the team and whether he plays as a spinner or not.
“The pitches are getting less green, but I still think England may use an all-seam attack.
“Wood bowls quickly at the net and it is an attractive and tantalizing prospect to have Wood and Archer, two of England’s fastest bowlers, coming together in perhaps the fastest delivery we will ever see.
“This is a huge opportunity for England with Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins missing out on Australia.
“I’m not discounting the players Australia is bringing in, but 600 Test wickets is irreplaceable.”
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Australia’s Mitchell Starc, who will lead the attack, is looking ahead to the first Test in the absence of injured Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood.
Atkinson: I can’t believe I’m in Australia.
Speaking about the magnitude of The Ashes, England’s Akinson added: “I feel like we’ve been building this series up for a while since I joined the team, so this is going to be a big test for all of us.
“I’m really excited. The growth has obviously been huge, but it’s Ash. It’s huge. You see it all the time growing up, so it’s a little surreal to be here in Australia.”
“I think there are a few of us who have never played a Test match in Australia, so it doesn’t hurt me.
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Ben Stokes urges England squad to reach The Ashes scale and feels the team are in a ‘good place’ to win back the Urn
“Obviously we have players who have played a lot (like Joe Root and Stokes) and we can talk to them.
“But I think it’s good that some of us are coming here without having much experience.”
Regarding Australia’s bowling situation, Atkinson said: “I’ve heard before (about Tests here) that it was all ‘pace, pace, pace’, but lately I’ve heard there’s been a bit more seam movement. Personally, I’m looking forward to that.”
Ashes Series in Australia 2025-26
always UK and Ireland
First Test: Friday 21st November – Tuesday 25th November (2.30am) – Optus Stadium, Perth Second Test (day/night): Thursday 4th December – Monday 8th December (4.30am) – The Gabba, Brisbane Third Test: Wednesday 17th December – Sunday 21st December (12am) – Adelaide Oval Fourth Test: Thursday 25th December – Monday 29th December (11.30pm) – Melbourne Cricket Ground Fifth Test: Sunday 4th January – Thursday 8th January (11.30pm) – Sydney Cricket Ground
