![England announce squad for fifth Test [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1767335749972_England 12 announced.jpg)
England announce squad for fifth Test [Source: AFP]
On Friday, the England and Wales Cricket Board announced a 12-player squad for the fifth and final Ashes Test against Australia. The match will be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground, starting on Sunday, 4 January. Notably, English Men head into the final game looking to finish the series with confidence after a hard-fought tour.
Shoaib Bashir, Matthew Potts included
Two fresh faces are part of the group for Sydney. Spinner Shoaib Bashir and fast bowler Matthew Potts have both been added to the squad, giving the team more options in bowling. Their inclusion adds variety and depth as England prepare for conditions that often suit spin and disciplined seam bowling.
Notably, Shoaib Bashir has finally earned his place in England’s squad, marking a long-awaited opportunity during the tour. The young spinner is yet to feature in a Test match this series, despite steady performances in the background.
It is worth mentioning that Bashir returned match figures of 2 for 151 in the intra-squad practice game at the start of the tour and later recorded figures of 0 for 115 while representing England Lions against Australia A three weeks later.
Shoaib Bashir was last seen playing for England during the India vs England 2025 series, where he took 10 wickets across six innings. If he gets his chance, this will be his first outing since recovering from a left little finger injury.
Meanwhile, Potts has also been recalled to the squad, earning his first call-up since his last England appearance in 2024. So far, Potts has played 10 matches for England, taking 36 wickets.
Gus Atkinson ruled out of the 5th Ashes Test
From the team that secured victory in the fourth Test at Melbourne, Gus Atkinson is the only player not selected.
It is important to note that Atkinson has been ruled out after picking up a left hamstring injury. Scans confirmed the issue, which occurred during Australia’s second innings at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Atkinson left the field after completing five overs, ending his tour earlier than planned.
Matthew Fisher is the only other seamer currently on the ground, having been called up from the Lions set-up to replace the injured Mark Wood (left knee). Jofra Archer is also absent, having left the squad with a side strain. With Potts’ inclusion, England now have options if they prefer pace over adding extra spin.
Notably, England enter the Sydney Test trailing 3–1 in the Ashes series. After difficult defeats in Perth, Brisbane and Adelaide, the four-wicket win in Melbourne restored confidence and belief within the camp.
The final Test now presents an opportunity for Ben Stokes and his team to end the tour with momentum.
England squad for fifth Ashes 2025-26 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
