England have been forced into a significant change for the crucial second Ashes Test in Brisbane, opting for spin-bowling all-rounder Will Jacks to replace injured paceman Mark Wood.
Wood Ruled Out with Knee Concern
The tourists confirmed the sole change to their line-up on Tuesday, 2 December 2025, following their heavy eight-wicket defeat in the series opener in Perth. Wood, England's quickest bowler, has been ruled out of the Gabba clash after being spotted around Brisbane with a large brace on his knee.
The 34-year-old speedster was playing his first Test since undergoing knee surgery in March and failed to take a wicket at Optus Stadium. His absence forces a tactical rethink for captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum.
Jacks Gets the Nod Ahead of Bashir
In a selection surprise, the English hierarchy have chosen Jacks over their frontline specialist spinner, Shoaib Bashir, who was in the 12-player squad for the first Test. Jacks, 27, is slated to bat at number eight and will provide a part-time off-spin option.
Jacks has played two Tests for England, both on the 2022 tour of Pakistan. His debut in Rawalpindi was particularly memorable, where he claimed six wickets for 161 runs in a marathon 41-over spell during the first innings.
Form and a "Dream Come True"
The all-rounder pressed his case with three wickets for the England Lions in their warm-up game at Lilac Hill before the first Test. Among his victims was the prolific Joe Root, bowled by a sharply turning off-break.
Speaking to England's social media channels, an elated Jacks described his call-up for an Ashes Test in Australia as "a dream come true."
"To be on an Ashes tour in the first place is something I wouldn't have been expecting a few months ago, but it's been amazing to be here, be around this team," Jacks said.
He revealed that teammate Ben Duckett was the first to know, as he was sitting next to him when McCullum delivered the news, before sharing the moment with his family.
The selection marks a shift from England's all-out pace attack in Perth, where they fielded four frontline quicks alongside Stokes. The Gabba pitch, however, has historically offered more for spin as a match progresses, potentially influencing the decision to bring Jacks into the fold for this must-win encounter.
