England Announces Squad for Final Ashes Test Against Australia

England's 12-Member Team for the Fifth Test

On Friday, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) revealed a 12-member squad for the upcoming fifth and final Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. This decisive match in the Ashes series is set to commence on January 4. England has made two changes to the team that played in the fourth Test in Melbourne against Australia.

New Additions to the Squad

Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir and fast bowler Matthew Potts have been included in the squad. The 22-year-old Bashir made his Test debut against India in 2024 and has participated in 19 Tests, taking 68 wickets at an average of 39.00. He has achieved the feat of taking four wickets in an innings twice and five wickets four times in his Test career. Notably, this marks the first time England has selected a specialist spinner in the current Ashes series, as all-rounder Will Jacks was previously their only spin option.

Matthew Potts' Impressive Record

Matthew Potts, 27, made his Test debut at the iconic Lord's against New Zealand in June 2022. Since then, the right-arm fast bowler has played 10 matches, claiming 36 wickets at an average of 29.44, including two instances of taking four wickets in an innings. Gus Atkinson, who was part of the team that defeated Australia by four wickets in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne, has been ruled out of the fifth Test due to a hamstring injury.

Usman Khawaja's Retirement Announcement

Ahead of the fifth Test, veteran Australian opener Usman Khawaja has confirmed that he will retire from international cricket following the conclusion of the match against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground later this month, as reported by ESPN Cricinfo. The 39-year-old left-handed batsman has had a remarkable career, representing Australia in 87 Tests and scoring 6,206 runs at an average of 43.39. His Test career includes 16 centuries and 28 half-centuries across 157 innings.