2nd Ashes Test: Jacks replaces Wood as England confirm XI
What's the story
England have announced their playimg XI for the second Ashes Test against Australia, with Will Jacks replacing the injured Mark Wood. The spin-bowling all-rounder will be making his third Test appearance and first in nearly three years. The change is the only one from the squad that lost the series opener in Perth. Notably, the second Test, a pink-ball affair, will be held at Brisbane's Gabba from Thursday. Here are further details.
Tactical change
Jacks's inclusion marks a shift in England's strategy
Jacks's inclusion in the squad marks a departure from England's all-out pace attack strategy. The team had previously bowled Australia out for 132 runs in their first innings of the opening Test, only to be hammered by Travis Head in their second. The decision to include Jacks comes after studying recent day-night matches and Nathan Lyon's performance as a spinner during pink-ball games.
Strategic insight
Captain Stokes weighs in on spin's role
England captain Ben Stokes spoke about the potential impact of spin on this week's match. He said, "You do try to look at Australia. They play a lot of day-night cricket here. [You look at] how they use their spinner as an attacking option or more to give the bowlers an easier rotation and to get through the overs quicker."
Selection decision
Jacks's selection over established spinner Shoaib Bashir
Despite Shoaib Bashir being England's preferred spinner with 19 Tests under his belt, Jacks was picked for his superior batting skills and fielding reliability. The 27-year-old's inclusion means Jofra Archer is the only one in the England XI yet to score a first-class hundred. Jacks, who took a six-fer on his Test debut against Pakistan in December 2022, has played just two Tests so far. In FC cricket, he boasts 2,591 runs at 34.54 and 49 wickets at 42.22.
Final lineup
England's team for the 2nd Test
England's XI for 2nd Ashes Test: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wicket-keeper), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer. The decision to not replace Wood with Matt Potts or Josh Tongue still gives the side four seam bowlers, including skiper Stokes.