Will Jacks has been handed a surprise call-up to England’s squad for the Ashes in Australia , with no place for Chris Woakes or Rehan Ahmed in the touring party.

Jacks last featured in Test whites in December 2022, playing twice in spinning conditions on a tour of Pakistan, but has been recalled and appears to be the primary back-up to Shoaib Bashir.

The batting all-rounder has become a key figure in England’s side in the shorter formats, and has a similar profile to Bashir as a tall off-spinner, with England known to value high release points in Australia.

His inclusion sees Liam Dawson miss out having replaced Bashir during the series against India this summer, while Ahmed also does not force his way in despite a standout summer in all formats with Leicestershire.

There

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