The Young Spinner Makes Unexpected Selection in English Ashes Squad
The English team has chosen a 12-man squad just 48 hours ahead of the first Ashes Test, with Shoaib Bashir securing a surprise spot.
Bashir's inclusion indicates that the visiting team will wait until the day of the initial match to determine whether Perth Stadium conditions favor a pace-heavy attack or the addition of a spinner.
Both pace bowlers are part of the 12-man group, showing there are no doubts about either pace bowler’s fitness.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse complete the attack, with the latter expected to be omitted if the spinner enters the final team.
Ground Conditions Favor Seamers
Brendon McCullum had been anticipated to opt for an pace-only lineup on a venue that has staged several past matches.
In those matches, 134 wickets have fallen to pace bowling, with only a small number to spin.
Among these 40 wickets, the veteran spinner has claimed the bulk, while all visiting spinners combined have just a handful.
At a venue known for its speed and carry, and whose curator, Isaac McDonald, stated that these characteristics are “permanent and not going to change,” a team relying on seamers is still the more likely decision.
Spin Options Considered
There had been speculation that Will Jacks could be parachuted into the team to offer some spin while also strengthening the lower order.
But the coach has chosen to stick with Bashir, having said previously that he would be his preferred spinner for the Ashes.
Earlier, Lyon described Bashir as “OK,” adding that “in my eyes, Jack Leach is still the English 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 these conditions,” Lyon said of slow bowling in matches Down Under.
“I’m not going to reveal my strategies so opponents perform and excel out here.”
England 12-man Squad for Opening Match
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Jofra Archer
- Gus Atkinson
- Shoaib Bashir
- The Batsman
- The Fast Bowler
- The Opener
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- The Speedster
