Sun Jan 04 02:40:00 UTC 2026: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing and rewriting the provided text:
England Names Squad for Final Ashes Test; Bashir and Potts Included
London, UK – England Men’s Cricket has announced their 12-man squad for the fifth and final Ashes Test against Australia, set to begin on Sunday, January 4th, at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The squad sees the inclusion of spinner Shoaib Bashir and seamer Matthew Potts.
The only change from the side that triumphed over Australia in the fourth Test in Melbourne is the absence of Gus Atkinson, who has been sidelined with a hamstring injury.
Ben Stokes will continue to captain the team, which also includes familiar faces such as Joe Root and Zak Crawley. Jamie Smith will be the designated wicketkeeper.
The full squad is as follows:
- Ben Stokes (Captain)
- Shoaib Bashir
- Jacob Bethell
- Harry Brook
- Brydon Carse
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Will Jacks
- Matthew Potts
- Joe Root
- Jamie Smith (WK)
- Josh Tongue
Following the Ashes series, England are scheduled to play ODI and IT20 series in Sri Lanka before the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup hosted by Sri Lanka and India in February and March
In other news, Isa Guha, Barry O’Brien and Derek Brewer have been recognized in His Majesty The King’s New Year’s Honours List 2026. An England Men’s seamer has sustained a left hamstring injury
Summary of Changes/Additions:
- Headline: More concise and informative.
- Lead Paragraph: Gives the main points immediately – squad announcement, key inclusions, and location/date.
- Context: Clearly states the absence is due to injury and names the injured player.
- Format: Uses standard news article structure.
- Clarity: Ensures clarity throughout.
- Additional information: Includes the information regarding the ODI and IT20 series and the New Year Honours List 2026
First Piper 