Shoaib Bashir Earns Surprise Inclusion in England's Ashes Team
The English team has opted for a twelve-player squad just 48 hours before the opening Test match, with the 22-year-old spinner securing a unexpected spot.
Bashir's selection indicates that the tourists will delay until the day of the initial match to decide whether Perth Stadium conditions suit four seamers or the inclusion of a spinner.
Both pace bowlers are included in the selected group, indicating there are no doubts about either fast 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 Pace Bowlers
The England coach had been expected to choose an pace-only lineup on a ground that has hosted several previous Tests.
In those games, the majority of dismissals have fallen to seamers, with only a small number to spin.
Of those spin dismissals, the veteran spinner has taken the bulk, while overseas slow bowlers combined have only eight.
At a venue known for its pace and bounce, and whose curator, Isaac McDonald, stated that these characteristics are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a side loaded with seamers remains the more likely decision.
Alternative Choices Weighed
Previously there was rumors that the all-rounder could be parachuted into the team to offer some slow bowling while also strengthening the lower order.
However McCullum has opted to stick with the young spinner, having stated earlier this year that he would be his preferred slow bowler for the Ashes.
In July, Lyon described the English spinner as “OK,” saying that “in my eyes, the experienced spinner is still the English best spinner.”
“It is a huge responsibility, and it can be a significant test for bowlers who lack experience in the past in Australian pitches,” he remarked of spin bowling in matches Down Under.
“I won't let my secrets out so opponents perform and excel out here.”
England 12-man Squad for First Ashes Test
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Jofra Archer
- Gus Atkinson
- Shoaib Bashir
- Harry Brook
- Brydon Carse
- The Opener
- Ben Duckett
- The Middle-Order
- The Veteran
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- The Speedster
