'You always want to achieve more' - Will Jacks opens up on Test disappointment after failing to get picked for ENG vs NZ

All-rounder Will Jacks has expressed his disappointment at missing out on England's Test squad for their upcoming Test series against New Zealand, which starts on Thursday, June 4, at Lord's Cricket Ground. The 27-year-old made a comeback into the red-ball setup ahead of the 2025-26 Ashes but has now been left out as the Three Lions beckon a new era in the longest format of the game.

Jacks played four out of the five Test matches Down Under as England's main spinner, in place of Shoaib Bashir. The spin-bowling all-rounder went on to take just six wickets at an average of 53.66 as his side suffered a 4-1 series defeat. He also scored 145 runs whilst averaging a mere 20.71. 

Despite missing out on the New Zealand Test series, Jacks stated that he is extremely proud to represent his nation in an away Ashes series. The 27-year-old aims to strive hard and make a comeback into the side led by Ben Stokes. 

"Obviously the Ashes was something I didn't expect to be a part of and I'm so grateful to be given that opportunity. I think when I look back at the end of my career playing four tests in and away Ashes is something I'll be most proud of. But you always want to achieve more. Obviously disappointed not to be given the opportunity to be in the test squad this time. But that's something that I won't stop working towards and hopefully get back into at some stage," Will Jacks said on TalkSPORT. 

It is worth mentioning that Jacks has never played a Test match on home soil. Out of the six matches he has played in his career, he played twice in Pakistan and four matches in Australia. 

Even though he did not play a single Ashes Test match, England have persisted with Bashir, who maintains his place in the squad ahead of their series against the Black Caps. The Three Lions have also included Rehan Ahmed in the squad as their spinner, who can bat in and around number eight, something Jacks did during their tour of Australia. 

Jacks recently represented the Mumbai Indians at the 2026 Indian Premier League, where he played seven matches and scored 139 runs and took two wickets. He is already back in England and has played two matches for Surrey in the T20 Blast.