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England name 12-member squad for final Ashes Test, Shoaib Bashir makes the cut

Friday, 02-Jan-2026, 08:08 AM
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England have announced a 12-man squad for the fifth and final Ashes Test in Sydney, leaving the door open for a late twist. Matthew Potts has been called up to replace Gus Atkinson, who has been ruled out with injury after featuring earlier in the series.

Potts’ inclusion will bolster England’s seam options, particularly at the SCG, where conditions can aid fast bowlers. Shoaib Bashir has been named in the extended squad, putting him in contention to make his first Test appearance of this Ashes series.

Bashir has watched the first four Tests from the sidelines. As a matter of fact, he has not played for England since the third Test against India in July last year. Meanwhile, England have managed to avoid the series whitewash after winning the fourth Test by four wickets in Melbourne to bring the five-match series to 3-1.

England XII for fifth Ashes Test: Ben Stokes (captain), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue


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