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England yet to decide Ashes team - coach McCullumImage source,jaqueta windbreaker blaze supply Getty ImagesImage caption, Pope (left) averages 39.01 with eight centuries since McCullum and captain Ben Stokes took charge of England in 2022ByMatthew HenryBBC Sport JournalistPublished8 September 2025353 CommentsEngland have yet to decide on the 11 players who will play in the first Ashes Test against Australia, says coach Brendon McCullum.The series begins in Perth on 21 November and England are expected to have a largely settled team.One of the few positions in doubt is number three, with the selectors having to decide whether to retain vice-captain Ollie Pope or opt for 21-year-old Jacob Bethell.The young left-hander scored his first professional century in Sunday's third one-day international against South Africa."We've got a few other fish to fry before we get there, but I think we've said since we introduced Jacob that he's got a huge future in front of him," McCullum said."He's very quickly taken to international cricket and things have come really quickly for him as well."He's going to have some life - 21 years of age and being able to play like he does, and have the head on his shoulders that he's got too. "He'll just keep working hard and we'll see what unfolds."To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.This video can not be playedMedia caption, Bethell and Archer star as England beat South Africa by record ODI marginBethell, who scored three half-centuries at number three last winter when Pope dropped down the order to fill in as wicketkeeper, admitted on Sunday he should have played more cricket this summer, having spent much of it on the sidelines as England's spare batter.He will have the chance to further his claims in T20s against South Africa this week, plus three T20s and three ODIs in New Zealand prior to the Ashes.In between those fixtures he will become the youngest man to captain England when he leads an under-strength side against Ireland later this month."It's a tremendous honour for him and we've put him in that position because we feel he's got leadership qualities," McCullum said.Asked if he already had an Ashes XI in his head, McCullum said: "No, not yet. We will work out that when we get to Australia."Duckett's 'freshen up' & debut 'just start' for BakerImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Defending just 131, Baker (right) took 0-76 as England were thrashed in the first ODI at HeadingleyTwo players almost certain to play in Perth are opener Ben Duckett and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. England have pulled both out of this week's T20s against South Africa to allow them a break before the winter. Duckett, in particular, looked jaded during the ODIs against South Africa that followed immediately after The Hundred, which was preceded by the gruelling five-Test series against India."I spoke to him and said 'I think you need to freshen up'," McCullum said."I'm in the racing game and not even Phar Lap [legendary Melbourne Cup-winning horse] can go around every week. Even he needs to go to the paddock occasionally. "He'll have a decent break at home, as will Jamie Smith."McCullum also backed 22-year-old bowler Sonny Baker, who returned the most expensive figures by an England debutant in the first ODI at Headingley on Tuesday.He did not feature in the following two matches but is in the squad for the T20s against the Proteas and Ireland."He's good - I've been really impressed with Sonny, to be honest," McCullum added."The way, even in that game, he kept running in and kept trying different things. I said to him before the game and I reiterate it now, this is just the start for him. "We wanted to give him a taste. We wanted to get him around the group and he'll be a part of the squads moving forward. "He's got an immense amount of talent and he bowls at good, high pace and is able to swing the ball both ways."If we can add some craft and some touch to that, as he matures and experiences this level more often, he's just going to keep getting better and better."England's 342-run in Southampton on Sunday was the biggest victory in terms of runs in ODI history, but they were convincingly beaten in the first two matches when the series was alive.Five of England's players were unable to train before the series opener because it was played so close to The Hundred final - and McCullum said the schedule "isn't ideal"."It is the first time we've ever met someone on the morning of a game," he said."But that's just how it is and we've got to be a bit more understanding of that and try and find ways in the future to be able to try and get up and going a little bit quicker."Related topicsEngland Men's Cricket TeamAustraliaCricketCould brilliant Bethell give England Ashes conundrum?Published4 days agoBethell's first ton sets up record England win over SAPublished4 days agoMore on this storyGet cricket news sent straight to your phonePublished16 AugustComments can not be loadedTo load Comments you need to enable JavaScript in your browserView comments | 353
