Sydney, Jan 2 (NationPress) England has incorporated off-spinner Shoaib Bashir and seamer Matthew Potts into their 12-player roster for the fifth Ashes Test against Australia, scheduled at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) this Sunday.

Only fast bowler Gus Atkinson is missing from the team that achieved a stunning four-wicket win in the fourth Test within two days at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The bowler is sidelined with a hamstring injury.

The addition of Bashir and Potts provides England with strategic options as they aim to conclude the series on a positive note, particularly given that the conditions at the SCG typically favor spin bowling more than other Australian venues. Both players are contenders for their Ashes debut in place of the injured Atkinson.

Potts has remained an unused member of England’s squad throughout the series but is now in line to receive his 11th Test cap, having last played against New Zealand in late 2024. It remains uncertain if he will be included in the playing eleven, especially as the SCG pitch showed a slight green hue.

A 12-member squad was also declared for the initial Test in Perth, which similarly concluded in just two days, where Bashir was left out as England opted for an all-pace bowling strategy. The last time Bashir represented England was during the third Test against India at Lord’s in July.

While England cannot reclaim the Ashes, a second consecutive victory in Sydney, following their triumph in Melbourne, would boost morale as they look ahead to upcoming assignments in the World Test Championship.

England squad for the fifth Ashes Test: Ben Stokes (C), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (WK), and Josh Tongue.