Follow UsAll-rounder Will Jacks is set to make his first Test appearance in three years after being named in England’s XI for the second Ashes game at the Gabba, which is a Pink Ball Test.
Jacks comes in for fast bowler Mark Wood, who has been sidelined after suffering a knee injury during the opening Test in Perth. The day-night fixture in Brisbane will mark a significant return for the 27-year-old, whose previous two Test caps came on the 2022 tour of Pakistan, highlighted by a six-wicket haul on debut. Those remain the only two Tests that he has played so far.
Despite limited recent red-ball action, where he featured in only three County Championship matches this year and took five wickets at an average of 38.80, Jacks has been backed for the role due to his all-round value. England’s management views him as a player capable of strengthening the middle order while providing a needed spin option under lights.
His selection also reflects the team’s attempt to adjust to the demands of Gabba, which is likely to offer different challenges than Perth during the Pink Ball Test.
Jacks’ recall follows discussions within the England setup about balancing the attack, and his inclusion ahead of specialist spinner Shoaib Bashir signals confidence in his ability to contribute with both bat and ball.
England’s XI for the second Test
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer.