England have included off-spinner Shoaib Bashir and seamer Matthew Potts in their 12-man squad for the fifth Ashes Test against Australia, scheduled to take place at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Sunday.
Fast bowler Gus Atkinson is the only absentee from the side that clinched a four-wicket victory in the fourth Test inside two days at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The pacer has been ruled out of the match due to a hamstring injury.
Bashir and Potts for Added Flexibility
The inclusion of Bashir and Potts provides England with flexibility as they aim to conclude the series on a positive note. Conditions at the SCG typically favor spin bowling more than other Australian venues, making this a strategic choice. Both players are in contention to make their Ashes debut in place of the injured Atkinson.
Potts, who has remained an unused member of England’s touring party throughout the series, is in line to earn his 11th Test cap, having last played in a Test against New Zealand in late 2024. Whether he will secure a spot in the playing eleven remains uncertain, particularly as the SCG pitch has shown a slight green tinge.
Previous Selection Insights
A 12-man squad was also named for the first Test in Perth, which concluded in just two days, with Bashir missing out as England opted for an all-pace attack. The last time Bashir played for England was during the third Test against India at Lord’s in July.
Although England cannot win the Ashes at this point, another victory in Sydney, following their win in Melbourne, would offer valuable encouragement for the visitors in future World Test Championship assignments.
England Squad for the Fifth Ashes Test: Ben Stokes (C), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (WK), and Josh Tongue.