England’s selectors face a crucial week as they finalise plans for the upcoming Ashes tour of Australia, with seam bowler Matthew Potts pushing hard for inclusion. While the core of the squad is largely settled, injuries and recent retirements have opened the door for late decisions.
Potts, 26, has re-emerged as a strong contender after withdrawing from England’s recent T20 series to refocus on red-ball cricket with Durham. He has collected 10 Test caps so far, his last appearance coming in New Zealand last December. Following a mixed start to the county season, his form has improved, and he will feature against Yorkshire this week in what could be a decisive outing.
A key variable in selection is the fitness of Chris Woakes, who has led England’s pace attack since Jimmy Anderson’s retirement. Woakes dislocated his shoulder during the fifth Test against India earlier this year. Although he opted against surgery and his rehabilitation is progressing positively, he remains a potential risk for the rigours of a long Ashes tour. Should he not recover in time, Potts or another seamer may be required to step up.
The seam bowling department already looks strong, with Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Brydon Carse, and Josh Tongue all expected to travel. Mark Wood is also on track for a return after knee surgery earlier this year, further bolstering options. The Lions squad, also heading to Australia for the first four weeks, will provide additional depth and opportunities for fringe players such as Sonny Baker, Eddie Jack, and Mitch Stanley.
In the spin department, Shoaib Bashir is the first-choice option, but the selectors are expected to name a second spinner. Rehan Ahmed is currently the favourite, though Liam Dawson, Jack Leach, and Will Jacks remain in the conversation. The batting unit is largely settled, with Jacob Bethell tipped to join as an additional batter and possible challenger for the No. 3 role, currently held by Ollie Pope. Interestingly, Pope will also double as the backup wicketkeeper for the tour.
Ben Stokes has resumed bowling in training after his shoulder setback and is expected to be fully fit. The choice of vice-captain between Pope and Harry Brook is another decision on the agenda. With a white-ball tour of New Zealand preceding the Ashes, squad announcements are expected to come soon, potentially covering all three formats at once.
