England is all set to play the much-awaited Test series against New Zealand, starting tomorrow at Lord’s. Will Jacks, who is recognized as one of the brightest prospects, has been left out of the squad for the 3-match Test series.
Ahead of the first Test, Will Jacks opens up on being left out of England's Test side for the Test series against New Zealand. When England toured Australia for the Ashes 2025-26 season, Jacks was a part of the team, which makes his snub from the Test side more questionable.
It was a horrible Ashes experience for the Three Lions, as they lost the series 1-4. Along with the series scoreline, some of the English players’ approach outside of the ground ignited a series of controversies. Captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum’s jobs were also under scrutiny after the disappointing outings in Australia.
Will Jacks was a part of the Ashes 2025-26 tour
The Test series against the Kiwis is considered a stage for the England National Cricket Team to make a strong comeback in the Whites. About the snub from the Test side, Will Jacks says that he had conversations about the England and Wales Cricket Board’s decision, as he had provided a clear explanation, so he had no ill feelings towards the board.
Before and after the Ashes 2025-26, Will Jacks mostly made his appearances in limited overs cricket, which could be a major point behind his exclusion from the Test team, and his well aware that the fact that lack of experience in the longest format of the game is a possible reason behind his exclusion from the highly anticipated series.
The all-rounder opens up on his snub from the Test squad
“Yeah, I have my conversations, and I can really understand decision-making and thought processes and what they want to do, and that's absolutely fine. I haven't played red ball cricket since the Ashes, or even barely before the Ashes, so I can't really say too much there. Obviously, I would have absolutely loved to be a part of it,” Will Jacks told ESPNCricinfo.
Jack confessed that he found it very challenging to face Australia during the Ashes. As a cricketer, he loves the hurdles and has the desire to carry on in the Tests alongside white-ball cricket. The England all-rounder claims that he fell in love more with the red-ball format because of the challenges he faced against the Aussies.
Jacks tells about his experiences against Australia
“My Ashes experience was something I found challenging, but being a part of it was amazing, and it kind of reignited a bit of a red ball cricket love for me. Being part of the biggest thing that you can do as a player, and I loved it. Loved every moment, even when we were struggling and stuff,” Will Jacks stated.
🎙️ Will Jacks on being left out of England's Test side vs New Zealand pic.twitter.com/SyB75HvsUa
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) June 3, 2026
“So that's something in the future that I'm still working towards, and I want to push my case for the red ball team. But yeah, wish the guys all the best this week,” he added.
