SYDNEY, Jan 2, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - Seamer Matthew Potts and spinner Shoaib Bashir were included in a 12-man England squad Friday for the fifth Ashes Test against Australia as the tourists look to finish the series on a high. Potts is the only unused fast bowler from their original 16-man squad and gets his chance after Gus Atkinson limped off with a hamstring issue at the previous Test in Melbourne, which England won inside two days. Wood (knee) only played the first Test in Perth while Archer was ruled out after the third Test in Adelaide with a side strain. Bashir was considered England's top spinner when they arrived in Australia but has yet to play with all-rounder Jacks preferred. England squad: Ben Stokes (capt), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue.

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha January 02, 2026 14:45 UTC