England name Men’s Test squad for 2021-22 Ashes Tour

England named a 17-player squad for the Ashes tour of Australia starting in November, with all players capped at Test level. However, ten of the 17 will be touring Australia in an Ashes series for the first time, including vice-captain Jos Buttler.

Nottinghamshire seamer Stuart Broad, who is to embark on his fourth Ashes tour, is making excellent progress from his torn right calf sustained in the summer during the Test series against India. Next week, he is set to return to bowling at The ECB Performance Centre in Loughborough, where the Ashes and Lions squads will prepare for the Australia tour.

Surrey all-rounder Sam Curran, who was recently ruled out of the Indian Premier League with a back injury, was not considered for selection after a second scan has confirmed that he has a stress fracture. More detail regarding his management and likely return will follow after further specialist consultation.

Apart from Curran, Ben Stokes, who announced an indefinite break from all cricket to prioritise his mental wellbeing and rehabilitation from his injured left index finger, is not available alongside Jofra Archer, who is nursing an elbow injury and is understood to remain out of action until the year end.

As confirmed on Friday, the Ashes tour is subject to several critical conditions being met by Cricket Australia before the team travels in November. However, positive ongoing discussions continue, and it is hoped matters will be resolved in due course.

We have selected a well-balanced squad: Head Coach Chris Silverwood

Commenting on the squad, England Men’s Head Coach Chris Silverwood, said: “A tour of Australia is the pinnacle as an England Test cricketer. I am delighted that all of our available players have committed to the tour. We are looking forward to touring and enjoying the experience of this historic series.

“This is why we play and coach to be involved in iconic series like this. More than half of our squad haven’t featured in an Ashes tour before, which means we will be fresh and looking to embrace the cricket and the excitement of touring one of the best places in the world.

“I believe we have selected a well-balanced squad with options in all areas and a blend of youth and experience. There is real competition for places and a genuine desire to work hard and compete, aiming to create some history.

“We are under no illusions about how difficult the task is going to be. Australia have been strong at home in the past, and there is an expectation on them to win this series. However, from our point of view, there is genuine excitement and belief that we can do something special.

“Both teams are in similar positions in the Test world rankings. For that reason, it should be a compelling series. We can enjoy the build-up to the tour, get out there, and prepare well ahead of the first Test in Brisbane.

“Having the Lions with the Ashes squad will be integral to our build-up. The extended group of players will be with us before the first Test. We will play two competitive warm-up games amongst both squads to give us the match practice we need as part of our build-up. It’s an excellent opportunity to connect the Lions into the England environment and gain a good understanding of what is required to play at the highest level.”

England Men’s Test Squad – Ashes Tour of Australia 2021-22:

Joe Root (Captain), James Anderson, Jonathan Bairstow, Dom Bess, Stuart Broad, Rory Burns, Jos Buttler, Zak Crawley, Haseeb Hameed, Dan Lawrence, Jack Leach, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Ollie Pope, Ollie Robinson, Chris Woakes, Mark Wood