The Ashes: England captain Ben Stokes praises Will Jack’s utility as he defends bowling stocks

England’s decision to recall allrounder Will Jacks at the Gabba is a proactive choice, captain Ben Stokes says will strengthen the batting and throw more variety at Australia with the ball.

The 27-year-old has not played a Test since 2022 in Pakistan, where he captured six wickets in an innings on debut, and made a couple of handy 30s in the two Tests he played.

The knee injury to paceman Mark Wood, which ruled him out of the second Test in Brisbane that starts on Thursday, has allowed England to tinker with their approach.

“Coming here, knowing the first two games were going to be in Perth and the day-night game here at the Gabba, you try and leave yourself as much time as you can to think about different angles,” Stokes said.

“We tried to look at how we thought spin was going to be used. There was a bit of a tactical element to it. And obviously Jacksy’s ability with the bat, to have that down the order for us is useful as well.”

Stokes will join Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer and Brydon Carse in a still menacing pace arsenal, but England’s attack will have a different look to it, with Jacks providing an offspin option. He will also add depth to the batting, as his first-class average of 34.54 and four centuries suggests.

According to CricViz statistics, the average speed of England’s bowling attack on day one of the Perth Test was 141km/h, their highest in a Test since records began in 2006.

That speed fell away on day two when Archer and Wood did not reach the levels they had the previous day, with Australia coasting to an eight-wicket win inside two days.

Stokes scuppered suggestions the bowling unit was disappointed with the batters for not giving them enough time to recover between batting innings.

“I bat and I bowl. You can always do with more time off your feet than getting back out there,” Stokes said.

“When things like that transpire, you don’t moan. You don’t complain. That is part of the job, being fit.

“If you have bowled and end up being out there sooner than you thought, you put your boots back on and get out there and try and win a game for your country.”

Stokes said he would adopt a “wait and see” approach to whether Pat Cummins would be a late inclusion for Australia after a back injury kept him out of the first Test.

“Pat’s done great things, not only as a player but he’s been great since he’s been given the responsibility of captaining Australia,” Stokes said.

“Whatever XI they go with, if Pat’s there, if Pat’s not, we’ll still be going in there to try and get the win.”