Shoaib Bashir Makes Surprise Inclusion in English Test Series Team
England have chosen a 12-man selection just 48 hours ahead of the first Ashes Test, with Shoaib Bashir earning a unexpected spot.
The 22-year-old’s selection suggests that the visiting team will wait until the morning of the first Test to decide whether Perth Stadium pitch favor a pace-heavy attack or the addition of a spinner.
Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are included in the 12-man squad, showing there are no concerns about either fast bowler's condition.
The other seamers complete the attack, with the latter expected to be omitted if the spinner enters the starting XI.
Ground Conditions Lean Toward Seamers
Brendon McCullum had been anticipated to opt for an all-seam attack on a ground that has staged several previous Tests.
In those matches, the majority of dismissals have been taken by seamers, with only a small number to spin bowling.
Of those spin dismissals, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has taken 29, while all visiting spinners combined have just a handful.
On a ground known for its speed and carry, and whose groundsman, Isaac McDonald, pledged that these traits are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a team relying on fast bowlers is still the probable choice.
Spin Options Considered
There had been speculation that the all-rounder could be parachuted into the side to offer some spin while additionally bolstering the lower order.
However McCullum has opted to keep faith with Bashir, having said earlier this year that he would be his preferred spinner for the Ashes.
In July, Lyon commented on Bashir as “decent,” saying that “from my perspective, Jack Leach 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,” Lyon said of spin bowling in matches Down Under.
“I won't let my secrets out so they come out and excel out here.”
English 12-man Squad for First Ashes Test
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Jofra Archer
- The Seamer
- Shoaib Bashir
- The Batsman
- The Fast Bowler
- The Opener
- The Batsman
- Ollie Pope
- The Veteran
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- The Speedster
