England fast bowler mark wood Has been declared fit and has been included in the squad of 12 players announced England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) for the opening Ashes test against Australia At Perth Stadium. Wood, who raised fitness concerns after feeling stiffness in his left hamstring during a practice game against England LionsPrecautionary scans were conducted and he was eventually cleared to play. Despite not bowling after the first eight overs of practice, Wood’s recovery has been positive, putting him in contention to be in the playing eleven for the high-stakes Ashes opener starting on November 22, 2025.
Mark Wood has got a place in England’s 12-man squad for the Perth Ashes Test.
Given the fast and bouncy surface at the Optus Stadium, England have opted for a fast bowling attack which includes world-class fast bowlers. Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carseand fit again captain ben stokesWith Wood.
The only specialist spinner in the team Shoaib Bashirwith the possibility of Joe RootPart-time spin as an additional option if an all-pace lineup is preferred. Wood’s fitness is a major boost for England, as his pace and experience are vital on a pitch aided by seam bowling, providing England with an aggressive bowling arsenal to counter Australia’s batting firepower.
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Batting consistency and team combinations for the Ashes
The batting lineup in England’s 12-man squad shows stability and confidence, with no surprises emerging. ben duckett And jack crawley He is expected to open the innings, followed by a solid middle-order unit Ollie PopeRoot, harry brookStokes, and the wicketkeeper jamie smith, Ollie Pope After consistent performance including a century and almost a century in the practice games, he has confirmed his place at number three. This lineup balances youthful aggression and experienced dependability in England’s quest to reclaim the Ashes.
England have reduced their Ashes squad from an initial group of 16 to 12, leaving out promising youngsters such as Jacob Bethel, passion tongueAnd will jacks For Perth Test. The fast bowling depth gives England flexibility in deciding whether to include Bashir or go with an all-pace battery, potentially replacing Carse or Atkinson if the spinners play. The England selectors have thus balanced fitness, form and tactical demands to present a team suited to the conditions and challenges presented by the Australian hosts at Perth Stadium.
The pitch at Perth’s Optus Stadium is known for its pace and bounce, making fast bowling important. The curator’s aim is to provide a balanced surface that provides fair competition between bat and ball, thereby promoting an exciting contest. England’s fast-paced team and Wood’s fitness clearance greatly enhance their chances of taking advantage of the conditions in this much-anticipated first Ashes Test.
England’s 12-man squad for Perth Ashes Test:
Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, Shoaib Bashir.
Also read: Ashes 2025-26: James Anderson reveals roadmap for English bowlers in Australia
