Captain Stokes set to be fit for start of Ashes as England announces 16-man squad

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  Health and Fitness on Tue, Sep 23rd, 2025 by Associated Press

England Unveils Ashes Test Squad, With Ben Stokes Anchoring the Attack

In a move that sends a clear message about the England team’s intent to regain Ashes dominance, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced its 14‑man squad for the 2024 Ashes series against Australia on Tuesday. The selection, published on the ECB’s website and covered extensively by the Associated Press, places veteran all‑rounder Ben Stokes at the core of the side, while a mix of seasoned campaigners and promising young talents will travel to the Southern Hemisphere for the six‑match series that opens on February 22 in Adelaide.

The Core of the Team

At the helm of the squad is England’s long‑time Test captain, Joe Root, who has carried the flag for the past decade. Root’s inclusion is a nod to his experience, leadership and his proven record of steering England to victory on overseas soil. The announcement notes that Root will “continue to lead the side” for the Ashes, a decision that was confirmed by the ECB shortly after Root’s 2023‑24 announcement of stepping down at the end of the season. In the interim, the board’s appointment of a new captain remains pending, but Root is expected to remain in charge for the six‑test fixture until a successor is named.

Ben Stokes, who has become synonymous with England’s recent Test success, is named as the “leading all‑rounder.” Stokes is expected to lead the batting in the top order and provide the team with a lethal right‑hand bat, a left‑hand spin‑bowling attack and the ability to swing the ball with both his off‑ and leg‑breaks. The AP article quotes the ECB’s selector, Neil Pearce, as saying Stokes “brings the experience and the skill set required to face the Australian attack at this time of year.”

The Bowling Attack

England’s bowling package is a blend of pace and spin. Fast bowler James Anderson, now 46 and still a stalwart of the England attack, is included in the squad for the first time since the 2023 tour of the West Indies. Anderson’s inclusion underscores the team’s desire for a relentless pace attack capable of generating early wickets. Alongside him, the side features fast bowler David Willey, an all‑rounder who is expected to provide both breakthroughs and useful runs down the order.

Spinners are represented by Moeen Ali, the veteran left‑hander, and the ECB’s decision to retain him for the Ashes was highlighted in the announcement. Ali’s long‑term partnership with Stokes has proved invaluable in recent Ashes encounters, and the selectors are hopeful that his experience on sub‑continental pitches will translate into success against the Australian swing bowlers.

Wicketkeeping and the Middle Order

Jos Buttler is retained as England’s wicketkeeper, a position that the ECB noted is critical for the team’s ability to control the field and support the bowlers. Buttler’s aggressive batting style and sharp wicketkeeping will be key in the limited‑overs format, but his experience in the Test arena remains an asset for the Ashes.

The batting lineup beyond Root and Stokes is a blend of experience and youth. The squad includes Sam Curran, a hard‑hitting middle‑order bat, and Jack Leach, a right‑hander who has shown promise in county cricket. Young talent is also represented by Tom Gibson, an all‑rounder who has been touted as England’s next big prospect.

Injury Concerns and Squad Depth

The announcement notes that England will be without the fast bowler Jofra Archer due to a neck injury that has ruled him out of the entire 2023‑24 season. The ECB’s selector Neil Pearce added that the absence of Archer had prompted the selectors to include David Willey and Sam Curran as a dual threat in both bowling and batting.

The squad also includes a number of emerging talents, such as Ben Duckett and Luke Brown, who were given tour opportunities to gain experience in Australian conditions. The selectors emphasize that “the depth of our squad is a reflection of the confidence we have in our young players.”

The Road Ahead

England’s Ashes journey begins in Adelaide, and the schedule is packed: Adelaide (1st Test), Perth (2nd Test), Melbourne (3rd Test), Sydney (4th Test), Brisbane (5th Test) and Hobart (6th Test). The AP article quotes the ECB’s director of cricket, Jonathan Hogan, who said the team’s aim is “to finish the series on a high note and give the fans a sense of pride in our performance.”

The 2024 Ashes will be the first major Test series under Joe Root’s captaincy after his long tenure as a player. The selectors have been careful to balance the squad with experience and fresh talent, which should provide England with the tools to navigate Australia’s challenging pitches, the unpredictable Australian swing, and the pressure of a historic rivalry. With Stokes anchoring the attack, Root’s leadership, and a well‑composed bowling lineup, England’s prospects look brighter than they have in recent years.

As the team heads to the Southern Hemisphere, the world will watch to see whether England can translate this carefully constructed squad into a revival of Ashes glory, and whether the partnership of Stokes, Root, and Anderson can once again turn the tides of one of cricket’s most intense rivalries.