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‘They make you feel like you can take on the world’ – Jacks eager to perform for Stokes, McCullum

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Clock IconSep 24, 2025Cricket

Will Jacks said England captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum “make you feel like you can take on the world” after the all-rounder received an Ashes call-up.

England released their 16-man squad for this winter’s series against the Baggy Greens on Tuesday, with Jacks named as spin cover for Shoaib Bashir ahead of Rehan Ahmed, Jack Leach and Liam Dawson.

It was the big-hitting all-rounder’s first Test call-up since England’s tour of Pakistan almost three years ago, where Jacks won both of his caps in the format.

The 26-year-old scored 89 runs across four innings in those matches, while also taking six wickets at an average of 38.66.

Although admitting the call-up came as a surprise, Jacks believes he can help Stokes and McCullum achieve success Down Under.

“I think they're very honest and they give you brilliant feedback and confidence and they make you feel like you can take on the world and that's what everyone needs. That group has that never say die attitude,” Jacks told Sky Sports.

“We feel like we can achieve anything and those guys are at the forefront of that. As players, we follow the coaching captain, they're in charge of the team and we back them 100 per cent.

“Everything that they do leads to a positive outcome and as players we love it. That's great to hear.

“I've been around with the white ball squad, so you always know there's a possibility and, obviously, The Ashes has been on everyone's radar for a long time now. So I was a little bit surprised, but that's not to say I wasn't ready or expecting it as such.

“I'm just really happy to be part of that squad and can't wait to get over there.”

Jacks will miss the upcoming white-ball series against New Zealand with a broken finger, but is expected to be fit for the Ashes.

He added: “It's just one of those annoying things that you sometimes pick up. You don't really think about it and then when they're broken they're incredibly painful, so I just need a little bit of rest and get it right and be ready for the Ashes.”