With the Ashes fast approaching, England aren’t just relying on their headline bowlers to take on Australia—they’re quietly building a back-up army of speed merchants.
This winter’s tour will see not only the main squad heading Down Under but also a shadow unit of emerging fast bowlers ready to step in if needed.
These young quicks will be in Australia through the early stages of the nine-week tour, playing warm-up games and keeping themselves match-ready should injuries or form dips open the door for an Ashes debut over Christmas or New Year.
The Lions’ Early Tour and Possible Call-Ups
England Lions will kick things off with a pre-series match against the main squad at Lilac Hill from November 13–15, followed by games against a Cricket Australia XI and Australia A while the senior team begins their Tests in Perth and Brisbane.
The Lions are scheduled to head home on December 10, but selectors have the option to keep some in Australia if reinforcements are needed for the final three matches in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney.
This “second string” tour isn’t just a safety net—it’s a development opportunity.
In the past, England haven’t hesitated to give untested players a shot, as they did with Olly Stone during the 2017–18 Ashes.
Sonny Baker – The Speedster with a Flair for Drama
Hampshire’s 22-year-old Sonny Baker made his first-class debut in Australia earlier this year, impressing with a three-wicket haul for the Lions.
Coach Andrew Flintoff was so taken with him that he recommended an ECB development contract, praising his pride, energy, and knack for creating “theatre and magic” on the pitch.
Baker, who regularly hits 92mph, first turned heads last November in the Global Super League.
His ability to beat batters with sheer pace was on show again in July when he claimed eight wickets against Worcestershire.
Once a raw and uncoordinated youth player in Devon, Baker has moulded himself on South African legend Dale Steyn.
Eddie Jack – Young, Tall, and Already Making Waves
At just 19, Hampshire’s Eddie Jack has risen fast, earning spots in a County Select XI against Zimbabwe and a Lions squad to face India A.
He even got a brief call into England’s Test squad against India before being released back for T20 Blast action.
Standing at 6ft 4in, Jack uses his height to extract bounce and trouble batters, as Jordan Cox found out in a June County Championship clash.
He admires Pat Cummins for his relentless accuracy—a trait he’s aiming to mirror.
Mitchell Stanley – Raw Pace Waiting to Be Unleashed
Lancashire’s Mitchell Stanley, 24, is another of Flintoff’s favourites.
Though his career has yet to truly take off, England’s data shows he’s among the fastest bowlers in the country, with coaches believing there’s even more pace to come.
He only made his first-class debut this summer but has already earned a Hundred call-up with Northern Superchargers.
Stanley is seen as a confidence player—if England can harness his raw pace, he could be a wildcard.
Josh Hull – The Left-Arm Rough Diamond
Leicestershire’s 20-year-old Josh Hull has already experienced Test cricket, taking 3 for 53 on debut against Sri Lanka last year.
At 6ft 7in, he offers the left-arm angle and swing that England craves.
Injuries and fitness issues cut short his debut, but Hull has worked hard on his strength and bowling action, even spending time learning from Jimmy Anderson on seam and swing.
England still see him as a high-ceiling prospect.
Managing the Main Attackers
While the young guns prepare in the wings, England are carefully managing their senior seamers.
Captain Ben Stokes is recovering from a shoulder injury and won’t play again until the Ashes, focusing on leadership and mentoring.
Mark Wood’s comeback is being handled cautiously—he’ll likely return in limited-overs cricket against South Africa or during a short Ireland tour.
Jofra Archer’s Hundred appearances are being monitored, while Gus Atkinson is back in action after a hamstring issue.
Brydon Carse and Josh Tongue may sit out The Hundred to protect their fitness, and Olly Stone is building up in county cricket.
Unfortunately, Chris Woakes’ Ashes hopes are over after a dislocated shoulder ruled him out.