Matthew Potts is poised to make his first appearance of the Ashes series after being included in England’s 12-man squad for the fifth and final Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The Durham seamer looks set to earn his 11th Test cap following England’s growing injury concerns within their pace attack.
Matthew Potts in Line for Ashes Return After Injury Blow to England
Potts has been part of England’s touring group throughout the Ashes but is yet to feature in the series. His opportunity has come after Gus Atkinson was ruled out with a hamstring injury sustained during the fourth Test at the MCG, a match England won to reduce the series deficit to 3-1.
England’s fast-bowling resources have been stretched further, with Mark Wood sidelined due to a knee injury and Jofra Archer returning home with a side strain. Matthew Fisher has been drafted in from the Lions set-up, leaving Potts as the most experienced remaining seamer available for selection.
All of Potts’ Test appearances have come under the leadership of Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum since 2022. He made an immediate impression early in his career, taking 20 wickets at an average of 28 across his first five Tests. Although he has drifted in and out of the side since, injuries and retirements — including Jamie Overton’s red-ball retirement and Chris Woakes’ shoulder issue — have reopened the door.
Zak Crawley was full of praise for Potts’ attitude and consistency, highlighting his commitment during a long and demanding tour. Crawley described him as relentless, skilled, and fully deserving of a chance if selected.
England Weigh Selection as Pitch and Weather Influence Final XI
England are expecting very different conditions in Sydney following criticism of the spicy Melbourne pitch that produced a two-day Test. While the SCG surface showed a slight green tinge on Friday, the expectation is for a flatter wicket, with rain forecast for the first two days of the match.
Ben Stokes has delayed naming his final XI, opting for caution due to variable conditions throughout the tour. Shoaib Bashir is included in the squad but is unlikely to play, with England expected to stick with one frontline spinner. Will Jacks’ presence as a batting allrounder and part-time offspinner reduces the need for Bashir, especially with England keen to strengthen their batting depth.
England previously named a 12-man squad earlier in the series, notably in Perth, where Bashir also missed out as they opted for an all-pace attack. A similar decision appears likely in Sydney.
Although the Ashes cannot be reclaimed, England are motivated by the chance to finish the series strongly. Crawley emphasized the importance of ending on a positive note, suggesting a 3-2 scoreline would reflect the team’s unity and resilience far better than a heavier defeat.
England squad for fifth Ashes Test:
Ben Stokes (capt), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wk), Josh Tongue
