Shoaib Bashir Makes Surprise Selection in England's Ashes Squad
The English team has chosen a 12-man squad just two days ahead of the first Ashes Test, with the 22-year-old spinner securing a surprise spot.
The 22-year-old’s selection suggests that the tourists will delay until the day of the first Test to determine whether the venue pitch favor a pace-heavy attack or the inclusion of a spinner.
Both pace bowlers are included in the 12-man group, indicating there are no concerns about their fast bowler's condition.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse round out the bowling group, with Carse expected to miss out if Bashir enters the final team.
Ground Conditions Favor Seamers
Brendon McCullum had been expected to choose an pace-only lineup on a ground that has hosted five previous Tests.
In those matches, 134 wickets have been taken by pace bowling, with only 40 to spin.
Of those spin dismissals, the veteran spinner has claimed 29, while all visiting spinners together have only eight.
On a ground known for its speed and carry, and whose groundsman, the pitch preparer, stated that these traits are “permanent and not going to change,” a side loaded with seamers remains the more likely choice.
Spin Options Considered
Previously there was speculation that Will Jacks could be parachuted into the side to offer some spin while also bolstering the batting lineup.
However McCullum has opted to stick with Bashir, having stated earlier this year that he would be his first-choice spinner for the Ashes.
In July, Lyon commented on the English spinner as “OK,” saying that “from my perspective, Jack Leach is still the English top slow bowler.”
“This is a huge responsibility, and it can be a significant test for people who haven’t done it in the past in Australian pitches,” he remarked of spin bowling in Australian Tests.
“I’m not going to 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
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- Mark Wood
