Shoaib Bashir Makes Unexpected Inclusion in England's Ashes Squad
England have opted for a twelve-player selection just two days ahead of the first Ashes Test, with the 22-year-old spinner earning a unexpected place.
Bashir's inclusion indicates that the tourists will delay until the day of the first Test to decide whether Perth Stadium pitch favor four seamers or the addition of a spin bowler.
Both pace bowlers are part of the 12-man group, showing there are no concerns about either pace bowler’s condition.
The other seamers round out the bowling group, with the latter expected to be omitted if Bashir enters the starting XI.
Ground Conditions Lean Toward Seamers
The England coach had been anticipated to choose an all-seam attack on a venue that has hosted five previous Tests.
In those matches, 134 wickets have fallen to pace bowling, with only 40 to spin.
Among these 40 wickets, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has taken the bulk, while overseas slow bowlers combined have only eight.
On a ground renowned for its speed and carry, and whose groundsman, the pitch preparer, pledged that these traits are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a team relying on fast bowlers is still the more likely decision.
Spin Options Considered
Previously there was speculation that the all-rounder could be parachuted into the team to offer some spin while also bolstering the lower order.
But McCullum has chosen to stick with Bashir, having stated previously that he would be his first-choice spinner for the series.
Earlier, Lyon commented on the English spinner as “OK,” adding that “from my perspective, Jack Leach is still the English best spinner.”
“This is a massive role, and it can be a significant test for bowlers who haven’t done it in the previous in these conditions,” he remarked of slow bowling in matches Down Under.
“I’m not going to let my secrets out so they come out and perform well out here.”
English 12-man Squad for First Ashes Test
- Ben Stokes (c)
- The Pace Bowler
- The Seamer
- Shoaib Bashir
- Harry Brook
- Brydon Carse
- The Opener
- The Batsman
- Ollie Pope
- The Veteran
- The Wicketkeeper
- The Speedster
