England have named a 12-man squad for the fifth Ashes Test against Australia, with seamer Matthew Potts and spinner Shoaib Bashir earning recalls. Potts replaces the injured Gus Atkinson, who limped off during England’s dramatic four-wicket victory in Melbourne. Fellow quicks Jofra Archer and Mark Wood remain sidelined due to injury, leaving England to rely on Potts’ experience and fresh energy in Sydney.
Potts, who last featured in a Test in December 2024, will add to his 10-cap tally as England look to bolster their bowling attack on a pitch expected to favor a balanced contest between bat and ball. Bashir, meanwhile, competes with all-rounder Will Jacks for the final spot, having been regarded as England’s top spinner at the start of the tour. His inclusion could provide much-needed spin options against Australia’s batting line-up.
Despite Australia already securing the series and retaining the Ashes urn, England enter the final Test with renewed confidence after their thrilling victory in Melbourne. Opener Zak Crawley emphasized the psychological impact of ending the series on a higher note, saying a 3-2 defeat would reflect positively on the team’s unity and resilience, even if the overall series outcome remains unchanged.
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The Sydney Cricket Ground curator, Adam Lewis, faces pressure to prepare a pitch that supports both bat and ball. Following Melbourne’s fast-bowler-friendly surface, which drew criticism from the ICC, Lewis aims to reduce the grass cover to six millimetres and provide a fair contest. Rain showers forecasted for Sunday and Monday add another layer of uncertainty to pitch conditions and game strategy.
England’s squad blends experience and emerging talent, led by captain Ben Stokes, with stalwarts like Joe Root, Zak Crawley, and Harry Brook joined by promising players such as Jacob Bethell, Shoaib Bashir, and Matthew Potts. This combination seeks to create a competitive balance capable of challenging Australia in front of a packed SCG crowd.
As the fifth Test approaches, all eyes will be on England’s revamped bowling attack and how it adapts to Sydney’s conditions. While the series outcome is already decided, the final match represents a chance for England to demonstrate depth, resilience, and tactical flexibility, leaving fans hopeful of a strong finish in one of cricket’s most storied rivalries.
Also Read: Gus Atkinson Out of Final Ashes Test with Hamstring Injury