Shoaib Bashir Makes Unexpected Selection in England's Test Series Team
England have chosen a twelve-player squad just 48 hours ahead of the first Ashes Test, with the 22-year-old spinner earning a unexpected spot.
Bashir's selection suggests that the tourists will wait until the day of the first Test to determine whether Perth Stadium conditions suit four seamers or the addition of a spinner.
Both pace bowlers are part of the 12-man squad, indicating there are no doubts about either fast bowler's condition.
The other seamers complete the attack, with the latter most likely to be omitted if Bashir makes the starting XI.
Ground Conditions Lean Toward 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 matches, 134 wickets have been taken by pace bowling, with only 40 to spin bowling.
Of those 40 wickets, the veteran spinner has claimed the bulk, while all visiting spinners combined have just a handful.
At a venue known for its pace and bounce, and whose groundsman, Isaac McDonald, stated that these characteristics are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a side loaded with seamers is still the probable choice.
Spin Options Considered
Previously there was rumors that Will Jacks could be parachuted into the side to offer some slow bowling while also bolstering the lower order.
But McCullum has chosen to stick with the young spinner, having stated previously that he would be his preferred slow bowler for the series.
In July, Nathan Lyon commented on Bashir as “OK,” saying that “from my perspective, the experienced spinner is still England’s best spinner.”
“This is a massive role, and it can be a significant test for bowlers who lack experience in the previous in Australian pitches,” Lyon said of slow bowling in Australian Tests.
“I won't reveal my strategies so opponents come out and perform well out here.”
England 12-man Squad for First Ashes Test
- The Captain
- The Pace Bowler
- The Seamer
- Shoaib Bashir
- Harry Brook
- The Fast Bowler
- Zak Crawley
- The Batsman
- The Middle-Order
- Joe Root
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- The Speedster
