Shoaib Bashir Makes Unexpected Inclusion in England's Test Series Squad
The English team has opted for a 12-man squad just two days ahead of the first Ashes Test, with the 22-year-old spinner earning a surprise place.
The 22-year-old’s selection indicates that the visiting team will delay until the morning of the initial match to decide whether Perth Stadium pitch favor four seamers or the addition of a spin bowler.
Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are included in the selected squad, indicating there are no doubts about either fast bowler's condition.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse complete the bowling group, with Carse expected to miss out if Bashir enters the starting XI.
Ground Conditions Favor Pace Bowlers
Brendon McCullum had been expected to opt for an pace-only lineup on a venue that has staged five past matches.
In those games, 134 wickets have fallen to pace bowling, with only a small number to spin.
Of those spin dismissals, the veteran spinner has taken 29, while overseas slow bowlers combined have just a handful.
At a venue known for its speed and carry, and whose curator, the pitch preparer, pledged that these characteristics are “permanent and not going to change,” a team relying on fast bowlers is still the more likely choice.
Spin Options Considered
Previously there was speculation that the all-rounder could be brought into the side to provide some slow bowling while also bolstering the batting lineup.
But McCullum has opted to keep faith with Bashir, having stated earlier this year that he would be his preferred slow bowler for the series.
Earlier, Nathan Lyon commented on the English spinner as “decent,” saying that “in my eyes, Jack Leach is still England’s best spinner.”
“It is a huge responsibility, and it can be a significant test for people who lack experience in the previous in these conditions,” Lyon remarked of spin bowling in matches Down Under.
“I’m not going to let my secrets out so they come out and excel out here.”
England 12-man Squad for Opening Match
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Jofra Archer
- The Seamer
- The Spinner
- The Batsman
- The Fast Bowler
- The Opener
- Ben Duckett
- The Middle-Order
- Joe Root
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- The Speedster
