McCullum: Few Surprises in England Ashes Squad
England's Ashes tour begins in Perth on 21 November

McCullum: Few Surprises in England Ashes Squad

McCullum Predicts Settled England Squad Ahead of Ashes Tour

Brendon McCullum says England’s Ashes squad selection will be “short” and largely predictable, with few surprises expected ahead of the high-profile Test series in Australia this November.

The final 17-player group will be announced during the week starting 22 September, following England’s three-match T20 series against Ireland.

Selection Focus: Second Spinner and Seam Depth

McCullum indicated the main selection debate centres on who will support first-choice spinner Shoaib Bashir. Options include:

  • Rehan Ahmed (leg-spinner, youth and upside)

  • Liam Dawson (left-arm, included in India series squad)

“It may only be in one Test,” McCullum said of the second spinner role. “We need to finesse that a little bit.”

The squad is also expected to feature up to seven seamers, likely including:

  • Jofra Archer

  • Mark Wood

  • Gus Atkinson

  • Brydon Carse

  • Josh Tongue

  • Matthew Potts

  • ➕ One more to be confirmed

Wicketkeeper & Captaincy Decisions

No specialist backup to keeper Jamie Smith will travel. Ollie Pope is expected to deputise if needed.

However, Pope’s role as vice-captain is under review, with Harry Brook emerging as a leadership contender.

“Harry Brook is emerging as a leader… that’s something we need to work out,” McCullum noted.

This development could fuel speculation that Jacob Bethell may challenge Pope for the No. 3 batting role, though McCullum insists no changes are confirmed before the squad lands in Australia.

Stokes Fitness and Contingency Plans

Captain Ben Stokes is “progressing well” from his shoulder injury but remains a fitness concern.

“We have a few options up our sleeve” if Stokes is unavailable, said McCullum, hinting at flexible contingency planning for all-rounder duties and team balance.

Coaching Setup & Fast-Bowling Consultant

With James Anderson and Tim Southee unavailable, McCullum is eyeing “big names” to join as fast-bowling consultants.

“Hopefully we will confirm one of those soon. They’re good names.”

Lions Support and Warm-Up Plans

An England Lions squad will also travel to Australia:

  • Act as reinforcements

  • Play England’s only warm-up match ahead of the first Test in Perth

Some Test players may join England’s white-ball tour of New Zealand as Ashes prep.

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