Shoaib Bashir Earns Surprise Selection in England's Test Series Team
England have chosen a 12-man selection just two days ahead of the first Ashes Test, with the 22-year-old spinner earning a surprise place.
Bashir's inclusion suggests that the tourists will wait until the day of the first Test to determine whether the venue conditions suit a pace-heavy attack or the addition of a spin bowler.
Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are included in the 12-man squad, indicating there are no doubts about either pace bowler’s condition.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse complete the bowling group, with Carse expected to be omitted if the spinner enters the starting XI.
Ground Conditions Favor Seamers
The England coach had been expected to opt for an all-seam attack on a venue that has hosted several previous Tests.
During these games, 134 wickets have fallen to pace bowling, with only 40 to spin.
Of those spin dismissals, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has claimed 29, while overseas slow bowlers combined have just a handful.
At a venue known for its pace and bounce, and whose groundsman, the pitch preparer, stated that these traits are “permanent and not going to change,” a team loaded with fast bowlers is still the probable decision.
Spin Options Considered
Previously there was speculation that Will Jacks could be parachuted into the side to provide some slow bowling while also bolstering the batting lineup.
But McCullum has chosen to keep faith with the young spinner, having said earlier this year that he would be his preferred slow bowler for the series.
Earlier, Nathan Lyon commented on Bashir as “decent,” saying that “from my perspective, the experienced spinner is still the English top slow bowler.”
“It is a massive role, and it can be a significant test for bowlers who lack experience in the past in these conditions,” he remarked of slow bowling in matches Down Under.
“I won't let my secrets out so opponents perform and excel out here.”
England Selected Team for First Ashes Test
- The Captain
- The Pace Bowler
- The Seamer
- Shoaib Bashir
- The Batsman
- Brydon Carse
- The Opener
- The Batsman
- Ollie Pope
- The Veteran
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- The Speedster