England Speedster Branded wood was declared eligible and included in the announced 12-player squad England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) For the wind test for opening Australia at Perth Stadium. Wood raised fitness concerns after experiencing left hamstring stiffness during a warm-up game Lions of Englandreserve carefully crawled and ultimately cleared to play. Despite bowling after the initial eight overs of the warm-up, Wood’s recovery was positive, a positive feature in Xi’s playing XI for high stakes on 22 November 2025.
Mark Wood makes the cut in England’s 12-man squad for the Perth Ashes Test
England opted for a pace-heavy bowling attack to await the fast and bouncy surface of the Optus Stadium, including world-class pacers Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carseand the captain again Ben Stokesalong with firewood.
The only specialist in the squad is the spinner Shoaib Bashirwith the possibility Joe rootPart-time is an additional option if a batch of PACE is selected. Wood’s fitness is a huge boost for England as his pace and experience are vital on a pitch that helps England’s batting firepower offer an aggressive bowling arsenal.
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Stability and Squad Composition for Batting Squad
The batting line-up in England’s 12-man squad reflects stability and confidence, with no surprises. Ben Duckett and Zach Crawley expected to open the bowlers, followed by a solid middle-order unit Ollie Poperoot, Harry BrookSeams and Wicketeeper Jamie Smith. Ollie Pope He cemented his place in three consecutive performances, including a century and a century and a century in the warm-up games. This squad balances young aggression and experience in England’s quest to win back the Ashes.
England trim Ashes squad from 16 to 12 from preliminary group Jacob Bethell, Josh languageand Jacks will do for pert test. PACE Bowling depth allows England to decide whether to bring in Bashir or go with a pace battery, potentially go with toss or go with Atkinson, potentially go with toss or go with Atkinson. England’s selectors thus have a balanced fitness, form and strategic requirement to field a squad suited to the conditions and challenges posed by hosts Australia at Perth Stadium.
Perthus’ Optus Stadium pitch is known for its pace and bounce, with fast bowling crucial. The curator is to provide a balanced surface that offers fair competition that encourages an exciting contest between bat and ball. England’s PACE-heavy squad and tree fitness clearance greatly increase their chances of capitalizing on the conditions in this hotly anticipated first Ashes test.
England’s 12-member squad for the Perth Ashes:
Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes, Jamie Smith, Gus Atkinson, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir
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