Shoaib Bashir Makes Surprise Selection in England's Ashes Squad
England have opted for a 12-man squad just 48 hours before the opening Test match, with the 22-year-old spinner earning a unexpected spot.
The 22-year-old’s inclusion suggests that the visiting team will delay until the morning of the first Test to determine whether the venue pitch suit a pace-heavy attack or the inclusion of a spinner.
Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are part of the selected group, indicating there are no concerns about either pace bowler’s fitness.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse complete the bowling group, with the latter most likely to be omitted if Bashir makes the final team.
Ground Conditions Favor Seamers
Brendon McCullum had been expected to choose an pace-only lineup on a ground that has hosted several previous Tests.
In those games, the majority of dismissals have been taken by pace bowling, with only a small number to spin bowling.
Among these spin dismissals, the veteran spinner has taken 29, while overseas slow bowlers together have only eight.
On a ground known for its speed and carry, and whose groundsman, the pitch preparer, stated that these traits are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a team loaded with fast bowlers is still the more likely decision.
Spin Options Weighed
Previously there was rumors that Will Jacks could be parachuted into the side to provide some slow bowling while also strengthening the lower order.
But McCullum has opted to stick with Bashir, having stated previously that he would be his preferred spinner for the series.
In July, Nathan Lyon described the English spinner as “decent,” saying that “from my perspective, Jack Leach is still the English best spinner.”
“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 slow bowling in matches Down Under.
“I won't let my secrets out so they come out and perform well out here.”
England Selected Team for First Ashes Test
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Jofra Archer
- Gus Atkinson
- Shoaib Bashir
- The Batsman
- Brydon Carse
- Zak Crawley
- The Batsman
- The Middle-Order
- The Veteran
- The Wicketkeeper
- Mark Wood
