New Delhi: The England mens selection panel has announced a strong 16-player squad for the upcoming 2025/26 Ashes tour. The series will begin in Australia in November and run until January 2026. The team clearly reflects a balance of experience and youth. Harry Brook appointed vice-captain Mark Wood returns The most important news from the team is that Harry Brook has been appointed Englands vice-captain for the Ashes this time. He replaces Ollie Pope. Fast bowler Mark Wood has also returned to the team after recovering from a knee injury which is good news for England. The presence of Bashir and Jacks increases the depth of the team Somerset spinner Shoaib Bashir has also returned to the team after recovering from a finger injury. He was injured during the home Test series against India. All-rounder Will Jacks has also been included in the squad although he is out of the limited-overs tour of New Zealand due to a finger injury. Ben Stokes remains captain fitness under scrutiny Ben Stokes will continue to lead the team. He was ruled out of the final Test against India due to a shoulder injury but his recovery is now well underway. He is expected to be fully fit for the first match of the Test series which begins in November. England Mens Test Team (Ashes 2025/26) Players: Ben Stokes (Captain) – Durham Jofra Archer – Sussex Gus Atkinson – Surrey Shoaib Bashir – Somerset Jacob Bethell – Warwickshire Harry Brook (Vice-Captain) – Yorkshire Brydon Carse – Durham Zak Crawley – Kent Ben Duckett – Nottinghamshire Will Jacks – Surrey Ollie Pope – Surrey Matthew Potts – Durham Joe Root – Yorkshire Jamie Smith – Surrey Josh Tongue – Nottinghamshire Mark Wood – Durham Ashes 2025/26 Schedule (UK time) 13-15 November: England v England Lions (Warm-up) Perth – 2:00 AM November 21-25: First Test Perth – 2:30 AM November 29-30: Prime Ministers XI vs. England Canberra – 3:40 AM December 4-8: Second Test Brisbane – 3:40 AM December 17-21: Third Test Adelaide – 12:00 AM December 25-30: Fourth Test Melbourne – 11:30 PM January 3-8: Fifth Test Sydney – 11:30 PM Story Highlights Harry Brook appointed Englands new vice-captain for the Ashes. Mark Wood returns to the Test team after recovering from injury. The return of Shoaib Bashir and Will Jacks will strengthen the spin and bowling department. The all-round department has been strengthened. England are ready under the captaincy of Ben Stokes with his fitness being closely monitored.