Ben Stokes set to lead England in The Ashes 2025:ECB announces 12-member squad, AUS won last time; series to begin on 21 November at Perth

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has announced a 12-member squad for the first Test of the Ashes series against Australia. The opening match will be played at Perth Stadium from November 21. As per Indian time, the Test will begin at 7:50 AM. Australia, the defending champions of the Ashes, have not yet revealed their playing XI for the opening Test. The upcoming series marks another chapter in cricket’s oldest rivalry, with both teams aiming for a strong start. England announces 12-member squad for The Ashes England’s squad for the first Test includes a mix of experienced players and promising young talent. Ben Stokes will lead the team. The squad features Jofra Archer, Mark Wood and Gus Atkinson as the pace options, while Joe Root, Harry Brook and Ollie Pope will handle the batting responsibilities. Australia maintain Ashes dominance Australia has held the Ashes trophy for the last eight years. England last lifted the trophy in 2015, but since then Australia has dominated, winning the 2017 home series 4-0. The 2023 Ashes ended in a 2-2 draw, allowing Australia to retain the title. England’s last Test win in Australia came back in 2011, which was also their last series victory on Australian soil. This time, the five-Test series will begin in Perth. The second Test starts December 4 at the Gabba in Brisbane and will be a day-night match. The third Test will be held in Adelaide from December 17 to 21. The traditional Boxing Day Test will be played at Melbourne Cricket Ground from December 26, while the final Test begins in Sydney on January 4. Hazlewood ruled out; Doggett likely to debut Australia suffered a setback ahead of the first Test after fast bowler Josh Hazlewood was ruled out due to a hamstring injury. Michael Neser has been added to the squad as his replacement. Queensland pacer Brendan Doggett may also get a chance to debut. Hazlewood picked up the injury on November 13 during the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and Victoria. With team captain Pat Cummins resting and bowlers Lance Morris, Jhye Richardson and Spencer Johnson already injured, Australia’s pace attack faces early challenges in the Ashes opener. England squad for Perth Test Ben Stokes (Captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Jack Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jamie Smith and Mark Wood.