Ashes 2025-26: Shoaib Bashir and Matthew Potts included in England’s 12-man squad for Sydney final

England have announced their 12-man squad for the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (January 4-8, 2026), recalling off-spinner **Shoaib Bashir** and seamer **Matthew Potts** as the visitors eye spin-friendly conditions and additional fast bowling options.

Bashir’s possible debut in the series
22-year-old Bashir, who has not yet participated in this Ashes, can play his first match on this tour. The SCG pitch traditionally offers turn later in the match, leading England to strengthen their spin options with part-timer Will Jacks. Since making his debut in 2024, Bashir has taken 68 wickets at an average of 39.00 in 19 Tests, which includes four five-wicket hauls.

Potts replaces injured Atkinson.
Potts returns after Gus Atkinson was ruled out with a left hamstring injury suffered during England’s four-wicket win in the fourth Test in Melbourne. This is the third injury to fast bowling for England, before which Mark Wood (knee) and Joffra Archer (side strain) have been injured. Potts, who has taken 36 wickets at an average of 29.44 in 10 Tests, provides experienced seam bowling support.

Australia already lead 3-1 after retaining the Ashes, but England’s MCG win avoided a clean sweep and kept the series alive in Sydney.

Emotional farewell for Khwaja
This match marks the retirement of veteran Australian opening batsman Usman Khawaja from international cricket. The 39-year-old, Australia’s first Muslim Test cricketer, is retiring after scoring 6,206 runs (average 43.39) in 87 Tests, including 16 centuries.

England’s 12-man squad
Ben Stokes (captain), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethel, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacques, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tong.

The final XI will be decided soon, with Bashir’s inclusion potentially indicating an attack with two spin bowlers.