Shoaib Bashir Makes Unexpected Selection in England's Test Series Squad
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 spot.
Bashir's selection suggests that the tourists will delay until the morning of the first Test to determine whether Perth Stadium pitch suit a pace-heavy attack or the inclusion of a spin bowler.
Both pace bowlers are part of the 12-man group, showing there are no concerns about either fast bowler's condition.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse round out the attack, with the latter expected to be omitted if the spinner enters the starting XI.
Ground Conditions Favor Seamers
Brendon McCullum had been expected to opt for an pace-only lineup on a ground that has staged five previous Tests.
During these games, 134 wickets have fallen to pace bowling, with only 40 to spin.
Of those spin dismissals, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has claimed the bulk, while all visiting spinners together have only eight.
On a ground known for its pace and bounce, and whose groundsman, Isaac McDonald, stated that these traits are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a team loaded with fast bowlers is still the more likely choice.
Spin Options Considered
There had been rumors that Will Jacks could be parachuted into the team to offer some spin while additionally strengthening the lower order.
But McCullum has chosen to keep faith with the young spinner, having said earlier this year that he would be his preferred spinner for the series.
Earlier, Nathan Lyon commented on Bashir as “decent,” saying that “from my perspective, the experienced spinner is still England’s top slow bowler.”
“It is a huge responsibility, and it can be a significant test for people who haven’t done it in the past in Australian pitches,” he said of spin bowling in Australian Tests.
“I’m not going to let my secrets out so they perform and perform well out here.”
English 12-man Squad for First Ashes Test
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Jofra Archer
- The Seamer
- Shoaib Bashir
- The Batsman
- Brydon Carse
- The Opener
- The Batsman
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- Mark Wood
