England named Will Jacks in their squad for the second day-night Ashes Test in Brisbane, with the all-rounder replacing Mark Wood as the only change from the team that lost the series opener in Perth.
Wood was expected to miss England’s first training session in Brisbane due to a problem with his left knee, but Jacks’ appointment is a surprise move.
The off-spinner, who will bat at No. 8 in the batting order, has played only two Test matches, both during the 2022 tour of Pakistan, where he hit five fours on debut.
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Atherton said England had to bounce back in the second Ashes Test at the Gabba or the series would be “effectively over”.
The selection of Jacks means England have resisted the urge to ignore Josh Tann and Matthew Potts and opt for an all-pace attack like the one against Perth again.
England’s two spare seamers featured in the two-day match between the Lions and the Prime Minister’s XI in Canberra, with Tan going wicketless in 16 overs and Potts taking 2-40 in the same allocation.
The selection of Jacks over frontline spinner Shoaib Bashir will also strengthen England’s batting line-up after they lost the first Test within two days.
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Atherton and Hussain discuss what the key differences are with the pink ball during the second day-night Ashes Test at The Gabba in Brisbane
England captain Ben Stokes spoke about his desire to add a spinner to the attack before the squad was announced: When we talk about the tactical elements of day-night matches, it’s natural to look to Australia.
“You can see how they use the spinner (Nathan Ryan) as an attacking option or to give the bowlers easier rotation and get them through the overs faster and give them more time with the new ball under lights.”
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England’s Ollie Pope talks about the challenges of day-night Tests as his team prepares to face Australia
Analysis: I think Jax’s selection is the right decision – but where does that leave Bashir?
Michael Atherton of Sky Sports Cricket:
“I’m not too surprised and I think it’s probably the right decision. This feels like a very real and strategic choice for this day-night pink ball game.”
“Jacks was initially a little under-represented in the team as a left fielder because he had only played a few Test games, but I think the team was paying attention to this game.
“They don’t necessarily want a five-seamer because it’s getting pretty hot in Brisbane and there are rumors that the pink ball gets pretty soft after 20 or 30 overs.
Jacks hit five fours on his debut in Pakistan but has not played a Test since 2022.
“So while they may want some spin, the pink-ball test suggests a low-scoring game, which is definitely the result, and the Jacks are giving them insurance with the No. 8 bat.
“In England’s warm-up games, Jax looked as good an off-spinner as Bashir, but they have invested heavily in Bashir over the last few years and have consistently said he is their No. 1 spinner. In the first Test, he came in at No. 12.
“So England should have talked to him and told him that Jacks might be available for this match. There is no reason why Bashir cannot be available in the next Test, a day game in Adelaide where spin is expected to play a stronger role.”
Khawaja leaves for Australia, Head prepares for restart
Australia opener Usman Khawaja absent from 2nd Ashes Test due to back injury
In Australia, veteran opener Usman Khawaja was ruled out with a hip injury, paving the way for Travis Head to remain at the top of the order after completing a 69-ball century in the series opener at Optus Stadium.
Khawaja, 38, did not start either innings against Perth due to back spasms and showed some discomfort while batting at the nets earlier this week.
The left-handed player has not been replaced in Australia’s squad, leaving batsman Josh Inglis and all-rounder Beau Webster to compete for a place in the Australian XI.
Khawaja will remain in the Australian team for the third Test in Adelaide from December 17.
Head is normally Australia’s number five batsman, but in Perth, his second promotion, he hit 123 off 83 balls to move to the top, helping Australia reach their target of 205 inside in 29 overs.
Ashes Series in Australia 2025-26
always UK and Ireland
1st test (Perth – 21st to 25th November): Australia defeats England by 8 wickets Second Test (day/night): Thursday 4th December to Monday 8th December (4.30am) – The Gabba, Brisbane No. 3 Test: Wednesday 17 December to Sunday 21 December (12am) – Adelaide Oval Fourth Test: Thursday 25 December to Monday 29 December (11:30pm) – Melbourne Cricket Ground 5th Test: Sunday 4 January to Thursday 8 January (11:30pm) – Sydney Cricket Ground
