Rehan Ahmed Eyes Spot in England’s Ashes Squad for 2025

Rehan Ahmed is poised to contend for a place in England’s squad for the upcoming Ashes series in Australia this winter. The all-rounder from Leicestershire has emerged as a potential candidate, particularly following Liam Dawson’s recent participation in the fourth Test against India, where he stepped in after Shoaib Bashir suffered a finger injury.

Ahmed has had a standout summer, showcasing his skills with both bat and ball. His performances helped Leicestershire clinch the championship title in Division Two of the County Championship. Additionally, he has also contributed to England’s success in white-ball formats, including a victory in the T20I against Ireland on September 6, 2023.

Despite his impressive track record, Ahmed has not played in the Test side since the fifth Test against Pakistan in October 2024. England has leaned towards other options for their spin attack, including Tom Hartley, Bashir, and most recently, Dawson. The selection for the Ashes is expected to reflect the team’s strategic needs as they aim to reclaim the prestigious trophy.

England’s head coach, Brendon McCullum, expressed optimism regarding the fitness of key players, including Ben Stokes and Mark Wood, for the Ashes series. Their availability would significantly bolster the bowling unit as England seeks to improve its performance in Australia, where they have struggled in recent years, losing 13 of their last 15 Test matches in the country.

Expert Opinions on Ahmed’s Selection

Former England captain Michael Atherton shared his views on Ahmed’s potential inclusion in the Test squad. While he praised Ahmed’s remarkable season in all formats, he expressed reservations about his suitability for the Test team. Atherton stated, “He’s had an outstanding season in all formats. He’s been superb in the Championship, he’s hit runs more than taken wickets.” He noted that Ahmed’s role is more clearly defined in limited-overs cricket and sees him as a natural successor to Adil Rashid in white-ball formats.

Atherton’s comments highlight the ongoing debate surrounding Ahmed’s capabilities in the red-ball game, as he suggested that there may be more experienced options available for the Test side. “There’s a bit of chat about him for The Ashes, and I think there are better top-order batters and better red-ball leg-spinners,” he remarked.

As the Ashes series approaches, the discussions around team selection will intensify. England has not won the Ashes in a decade, and the importance of assembling a competitive squad cannot be overstated. The upcoming series represents not only a chance for redemption for the team but also an opportunity for players like Ahmed to make their mark on international cricket.