Will Jacks Returns After Three Years to Lead England’s Spin Attack in Second Ashes Test

Allrounder Will Jacks is set to make a remarkable comeback to Test cricket after three years, as England confirmed him as their lone specialist spinner for the second Ashes Test in Brisbane. The day-night encounter, a crucial match with England trailing 1-0, will be his first Test since he debuted in Pakistan in 2022.

Jacks replaces injured fast bowler Mark Wood and steps ahead of Shoaib Bashir, who had been England’s preferred spinner over the last year. The Surrey star took 6 for 161 on debut in Rawalpindi but has played only limited first-class cricket since, managing just five wickets in the 2025 County Championship. Even so, the England management believes his all-round ability provides the best tactical balance under the pink ball.

The 27-year-old has accumulated fewer than 50 first-class wickets in his entire career, yet his role in England’s limited-overs resurgence and his work with head coach Brendon McCullum made him a trusted figure in the setup. Awarded a central contract last October, Jacks said he is “living a dream” being picked for an away Ashes Test.

England’s decision is also significant for Shoaib Bashir. The 21-year-old had cemented his place as England’s No.1 spinner since debuting in India in early 2024, collecting 68 wickets from 19 caps. His absence now marks the first time he has been dropped in over a year. Bashir recently returned from a broken finger and entered the series without a county contract after leaving Somerset.

England’s selection rethink was influenced by Australia’s mastery of day-night Tests and Nathan Lyon’s record of 43 wickets at 25.62 in pink-ball matches. Ben Stokes openly acknowledged that England needed better tactical options to control the flow of play, rotate the fast bowlers more effectively, and attack during the twilight periods.

Jacks, confident from his white-ball experience under lights, hopes to contribute across all facets — batting depth, controlled offspin, and athletic fielding. Despite limited exposure with the red ball, he believes the conditions will not feel unfamiliar.

As England seek to level the series in Brisbane, Jacks’ return adds a fresh dynamic to a high-pressure contest. His selection signals a bold strategic move — prioritising batting depth, adaptability, and McCullum-era aggressive cricket over traditional roles.

England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer.