Shoaib Bashir Makes Unexpected Selection in English Test Series Team
England have chosen a 12-man squad just 48 hours before the first Ashes Test, with the 22-year-old spinner earning a unexpected spot.
Bashir's inclusion indicates that the tourists will wait until the day of the first Test to decide whether Perth Stadium conditions suit four seamers or the inclusion of a spin bowler.
Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are included in the selected group, showing there are no concerns about their pace bowler’s condition.
The other seamers complete the bowling group, with the latter expected to be omitted if the spinner makes the final team.
Ground Conditions Lean Toward Pace Bowlers
Brendon McCullum had been anticipated to opt for an pace-only lineup on a venue that has staged several past matches.
During these matches, 134 wickets have fallen to seamers, with only a small number to spin bowling.
Of those 40 wickets, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has taken the bulk, while overseas slow bowlers combined have just a handful.
On a ground renowned for its speed and carry, and whose groundsman, the pitch preparer, stated that these traits are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a side loaded with seamers remains the more likely decision.
Spin Options Weighed
There had been rumors that Will Jacks could be brought into the side to provide some slow bowling while also strengthening the lower order.
However McCullum has chosen to stick with Bashir, having stated earlier this year that he would be his first-choice slow bowler for the Ashes.
In July, Nathan Lyon commented on the English spinner as “decent,” saying that “from my perspective, the experienced spinner is still the English top slow bowler.”
“It is a huge responsibility, and it can be a massive challenge for bowlers who lack experience in the past in these conditions,” Lyon remarked of spin bowling in matches Down Under.
“I’m not going to let my secrets out so opponents perform and perform well out here.”
England 12-man Squad for First Ashes Test
- The Captain
- The Pace Bowler
- The Seamer
- The Spinner
- Harry Brook
- Brydon Carse
- The Opener
- Ben Duckett
- The Middle-Order
- Joe Root
- The Wicketkeeper
- Mark Wood