London, Sept. 23 -- Ben Stokes will be leading a 16-man strong squad for the 2025-26 Ashes tour of Australia, with young Harry Brook as vice-captain, reported England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) on Tuesday.

A statement from the ECB said, "The England Men's selection panel has named a 16-strong squad for the 2025/26 Ashes tour of Australia. Harry Brook has been confirmed as England's vice-captain for the Ashes tour, replacing Ollie Pope."

Also, express pacer Mark Wood, who last played a Test in August 2024, returns to the squad following his recovery from a knee injury. Spinner Shoaib Bashir is available again after recovering from the finger injury sustained during the home series against India.

Durham seamer Matthew Potts and Surrey...