Shoaib Bashir Makes Surprise Selection in England's Ashes Squad
The English team has chosen a 12-man selection just two days before the first Ashes Test, with the 22-year-old spinner earning a unexpected spot.
Bashir's inclusion suggests that the visiting team will wait until the day of the first Test to determine whether Perth Stadium pitch favor a pace-heavy attack or the addition of a spin bowler.
Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are part of the selected squad, showing there are no concerns about their fast bowler's fitness.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse complete the bowling group, with the latter most likely to be omitted if the spinner enters the final team.
Pitch Factors Favor Seamers
The England coach had been expected to opt for an pace-only lineup on a venue that has staged five previous Tests.
In those games, 134 wickets have been taken by pace bowling, with only a small number to spin.
Of those 40 wickets, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has claimed the bulk, while all visiting spinners combined have only eight.
On a ground known for its speed and carry, and whose groundsman, Isaac McDonald, pledged that these characteristics are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a team relying on fast bowlers is still the probable choice.
Spin Options Weighed
Previously there was speculation that the all-rounder could be parachuted into the team to offer some spin while also bolstering the lower order.
However McCullum has chosen to keep faith with the young spinner, having said earlier this year that he would be his first-choice spinner for the series.
In July, Lyon described Bashir as “OK,” saying that “in my eyes, Jack Leach is still the English best spinner.”
“It is a massive role, and it can be a significant test for people who lack experience in the previous in Australian pitches,” Lyon said of spin bowling in matches Down Under.
“I won't reveal my strategies so opponents perform and perform well out here.”
English 12-man Squad for Opening Match
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Jofra Archer
- The Seamer
- Shoaib Bashir
- The Batsman
- The Fast Bowler
- The Opener
- The Batsman
- Ollie Pope
- The Veteran
- The Wicketkeeper
- Mark Wood
