Shoaib Bashir Makes Surprise Inclusion in English Test Series Team
England have chosen a 12-man squad just two days ahead of the first Ashes Test, with the 22-year-old spinner earning a surprise place.
The 22-year-old’s inclusion suggests that the visiting team will wait until the morning of the first Test to determine whether Perth Stadium conditions favor four seamers or the inclusion of a spin bowler.
Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are included in the selected group, indicating there are no concerns about either fast bowler's fitness.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse complete the attack, with Carse most likely to miss out if Bashir makes the starting XI.
Ground Conditions Lean Toward Seamers
Brendon McCullum had been anticipated to choose an all-seam attack on a ground that has staged five past matches.
During these matches, the majority of dismissals have been taken by pace bowling, with only a small number to spin.
Among these 40 wickets, the veteran spinner has claimed 29, while overseas slow bowlers combined have only eight.
At a venue renowned for its speed and carry, and whose groundsman, the pitch preparer, pledged that these characteristics are “permanent and not going to change,” a side relying on fast bowlers remains the probable choice.
Spin Options Considered
There had been speculation that Will Jacks could be parachuted into the side to offer some slow bowling while also strengthening the lower order.
But McCullum has chosen to keep faith with the young spinner, having stated previously that he would be his first-choice slow bowler for the Ashes.
In July, Lyon described Bashir as “decent,” saying that “in my eyes, Jack Leach is still England’s best spinner.”
“It is a massive role, and it can be a significant test for people who lack experience in the past in Australian pitches,” he said of slow bowling in matches Down Under.
“I won't reveal my strategies so opponents perform and excel out here.”
English 12-man Squad for Opening Match
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Jofra Archer
- The Seamer
- Shoaib Bashir
- The Batsman
- Brydon Carse
- The Opener
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope
- The Veteran
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- The Speedster
