The Ashes 2025-26: Will Jacks replaces injured Mark Wood as England announce playing 11 for Gabba test

Ankitjit Singh is a Sub-Editor at Khel Now, known for his in-depth knowledge of cricket.

Published at :December 2, 2025 at 1:07 PM

Modified at :December 2, 2025 at 1:08 PM

ENG vs IND, England test cricket team 2025

(Courtesy : Getty Images)

England are 1-0 down in the Ashes 2025-26.

The England Cricket Team has announced their playing XI for the second test of Ashes 2025-26 against the Australia Cricket Team. The pink-ball test between the teams will be played at the Gabba in Brisbane from December 4.

England have made one change to their XI with pacer Mark Wood getting ruled out of the match with injury. In his place, the Ben Stokes-led side has added Will Jacks into the XI, while the rest of the team remains same as it was in the Perth test.

Will Jacks has featured in two tests for England, both during the team’s tour of Pakistan in 2022. He was decent with the bat and ball in the game, scoring 89 runs along with wickets in the format.

The England top order of Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope will be under pressure to score runs. A lot would be reliant on them, while Joe Root, Harry Brook and Ben Stokes will hold a key in the middle-order.

England playing XI for the second test of Ashes 2025-26

Mark Wood England test 2025 — PERTH, AUSTRALIA – NOVEMBER 13: Mark Wood of England looks on during a practice match between England and the Lions at Lilac Hill on November 13, 2025 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Philip Brown/Getty Images)

1. Zak Crawley, 2. Ben Duckett, 3. Ollie Pope, 4. Joe Root, 5. Harry Brook, 6. Ben Stokes(c), 7. Jamie Smith, 8. Will Jacks, 9. Gus Atkinson, 10. Brydon Carse, 11. Jofra Archer

England had a poor outing in the opening game in Perth, where they faced an 8-wicket loss and the match ended in just two days. They would be keen to make a comeback in the second match and level the five-match series.

After the loss in the opening test, captain Ben Stokes made a strong statement, saying that “he was determined to win back the Ashes, with four games remaining.”

When will second Ashes 2025-26 test begin?

The second Ashes 2025-26 test will begin on December 4.

Who is leading the AUS vs ENG test series?

Australia are 1-0 ahead in the AUS vs ENG series.

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Ankitjit Singh

Ankitjit Singh is a dedicated sports journalist whose childhood dream was to play cricket—now, he serves the game through his work. With over three years of experience in reporting, writing, and editing, he brings deep insight to his coverage. A journalism graduate from Delhi University, Ankitjit’s passion for cricket took root during his college days and continues to drive his career.