CRICKET: England bring in Jacks for Wood for second Ashes test

Spin-bowling all-rounder Will Jacks will replace paceman Mark Wood in an otherwise unchanged England side for the second Ashes Test against Australia in Brisbane later this week, the team announced on Tuesday.

Wood experienced soreness in his left knee after the series opener in Perth, which Australia won by eight wickets inside two days to take a 1-0 lead in the five-match series.

Even though he failed to take a wicket, the 35-year-old’s pace was a big asset for England in the first innings in Perth. However, concerns over his long-term fitness remained, given that he missed the entire home summer due to a problem with the same knee.

The inclusion of Jacks, making his first Test appearance since earning his second cap in Pakistan in 2022, represents a shift away from the four-pronged pace attack England used in Perth. This is despite the Gabba being renowned for its fast, bouncy surface.

Although Jacks took 6-161 on his Test debut in Pakistan three years ago, he is better known for his batting prowess and is expected to strengthen the lower end of England’s batting order.

Zak Crawley has retained his spot at the top of the England batting order despite scoring a pair in Perth. This decision aligns with the view of coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes that the tourists should stick to their established lineup.

The second Test, a day-night match, begins in Brisbane on Thursday.

England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer -Nick Mulvenney/Reuters