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England have included the uncapped trio of Ben Foakes, Craig Overton and Mason Crane in their squad for the upcoming Ashes series in Australia, which begins in November.

Foakes, who is a wicketkeeper-batsman, has been on the national selectors’ radar for some time, especially after this year’s county season, where he has accumulated 680 runs, which includes a century and four fifties, in 14 County Championship matches at an average of 45.33.

Overton, a pace bowler that plies his trade for Somerset, has enjoyed a highly successful County Championship campaign as he has taken 46 wickets at an average of 22.26.

Crane, meanwhile, was called up for the recent three-Test series against the West Indies, but did not feature in any of the matches.

The Hampshire player has been drafted into the side as a specialist spinner, but all-rounder Moeen Ali will continue being England’s go-to spinner. However, should England need a second spinner, it is likely that Crane will make his Test debut.

“After a successful summer, having won the Test series against South Africa and West Indies, there is real competition for places and we have selected a squad that will work hard and compete against Australia, aiming to win the Ashes,” national selector James Whitaker said. “Surrey’s Ben Foakes deserves his selection for the first time at this level.

“His glovework has been exemplary and he is regarded as a wicketkeeper of the highest quality. He has the ability to contribute with the bat scoring over 680 runs in the Championship this summer at an average of 45.33.

“Craig Overton, who like Foakes has come through the international pathway, has been involved in the England set-up this summer with the Lions and the IT20 squad. He will now get his chance at Test level.

“We have been impressed with the way he has led Somerset’s attack over a long period of time. He has taken 43 Championship wickets this summer and will relish playing in Australian conditions.”

Meanwhile, James Vince and Gary Ballance have once again been given an opportunity to cement their spots in the Test side.

Vince has not played Test cricket since August 2016, but with Tom Westley having struggled at the No.3 spot this summer, the 26-year-old now has a chance to make his presence in hostile territory.

“The selectors are backing James Vince to make an impact on his recall to the Test squad,” Whitaker said. “He is a quality strokeplayer and we believe his game will suit the Australian pitches. His understanding of the England set-up will help him settle into the environment quickly and hit the ground running when we arrive in Perth next month.”

As for Ballance, he was dropped after the second Test against South Africa in July after fracturing his left index finger, but given his overall form in domestic cricket this year, the selectors opted not to overlook him. However, Ballance will find it tough to get into the playing XI as he will have to compete with Dawid Malan for the No.5 spot.

All-rounder Ben Stokes kept hold of his spot in the side after there was speculation that he would miss the Ashes following his arrest on Monday morning.

Stokes was held on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm, but released later on in the morning.

It has also been confirmed that former New Zealand pace bowler Shane Bond will be England’s fast bowling consultant until the end of the second Test in Adelaide.

Ex-England all-rounder Paul Collingwood will also take on a coaching role during the Ashes and the ODI series that follows, while Kent head coach Matt Walker will be part of the coaching staff for the Twenty20 tri-series involving Australia and New Zealand.

England’s Ashes Squad: Joe Root (c), Alastair Cook, Mark Stoneman, Dawid Malan, Gary Ballance, James Vince, Moeen Ali, Mason Crane, Ben Foakes, Jonny Bairstow (wk), Ben Stokes, Chris Woakes, Stuart Broad, James Anderson, Jake Ball, Craig Overton