Shoaib Bashir named in England Squad for Final Ashes Test

England have included off-spinner Shoaib Bashir in a 12-man squad for the fifth Ashes Test against Australia in Sydney.

Bashir has not featured in the first four Tests, despite starting the Ashes as England’s first-choice spinner.

The 22-year-old missed out on the opening Test in Perth after being named in the squad. He has since been overlooked in favour of all-rounder Will Jacks.

Seamer Matthew Potts is also included in the England XII. The tourists are guaranteed to make at least one change after Gus Atkinson was ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Under captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum, England usually confirm their side two days before a Test.

This time, they have delayed the decision. The final match starts on January 4, 2026.

England want more time to assess conditions at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

On Thursday, the pitch had a thick covering of grass. By Friday, much of its green tinge had faded.

Sydney traditionally offers assistance to spin bowlers. Three of the four leading Test wicket-takers at the ground are Australian spinners: Shane Warne, Stuart MacGill and Nathan Lyon.

However, seam bowling has dominated this Ashes series.

Only nine wickets have fallen to spinners so far. The series is on course to record the fewest spin wickets in an Ashes of at least four Tests.

Australia left out a spinner for the fourth Test. England won that match by four wickets in Melbourne, reducing the series deficit to 3-1.

The hosts could now recall off-spinner Todd Murphy. All-rounder Beau Webster may also come in for Cameron Green, offering an additional spin option.

Shoaib Bashir has not played for England since the third Test against India in July.

He suffered a broken finger at Lord’s but still took the wicket that sealed a dramatic victory.

His only cricket on this tour has come in warm-up fixtures. Bashir played for England against England Lions before the first Test, then for the Lions against a Cricket Australia XI in Brisbane.

Across those matches, he returned combined figures of 2-266.

England previously justified Jacks’ selection as a way to strengthen the batting.

Primarily a batter, Jacks provided depth at number eight. He has taken four wickets during the series.

He did not bowl during the two-day Test in Melbourne.

England’s decision is effectively between Bashir and Jacks. The choice depends on how significant a role they expect spin to play in Sydney.

Selecting Bashir would leave England with a long tail. Brydon Carse would bat at number eight.

Potts is now in line for his Ashes debut as Atkinson’s replacement.

The Durham seamer last played Test cricket in New Zealand at the end of 2024. He has 10 caps in total.

Potts was a regular after Stokes and McCullum took charge in the summer of 2022. His career has been stop-start over the past three years.

Seven of his 10 Tests have come against six different opponents.

England opener Zak Crawley said: “He’s bowling really well. I faced a bit of Pottsy and every time he impresses me.

“He’s got the heart of a lion, a lot of skill and if he gets the nod this week he thoroughly deserves it.”

England XII for final Ashes Test: Ben Stokes (captain), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith, Josh Tongue.