Shoaib Bashir Makes Surprise Inclusion in England's Test Series Team
England have opted for a twelve-player squad just 48 hours before the first Ashes Test, with Shoaib Bashir securing a unexpected spot.
The 22-year-old’s selection indicates that the visiting team will delay until the day of the first Test to decide whether Perth Stadium conditions suit a pace-heavy attack or the inclusion of a spin bowler.
Both pace bowlers are part of the selected group, showing there are no doubts about either pace bowler’s fitness.
The other seamers round out the attack, with the latter expected to be omitted if Bashir makes the final team.
Ground Conditions Lean Toward Pace Bowlers
The England coach had been expected to opt for an all-seam attack on a ground that has hosted five past matches.
During these matches, the majority of dismissals have fallen to pace bowling, with only 40 to spin.
Among these spin dismissals, the veteran spinner has claimed 29, while overseas slow bowlers together have only eight.
On a ground renowned for its speed and carry, and whose curator, the pitch preparer, stated that these traits are “permanent and not going to change,” a team relying on fast bowlers remains the more likely choice.
Spin Options Considered
Previously there was rumors that Will Jacks could be parachuted into the team to offer some slow bowling while additionally strengthening the batting lineup.
However McCullum has chosen to keep faith with the young spinner, having stated previously that he would be his first-choice spinner for the Ashes.
Earlier, Nathan Lyon described Bashir as “OK,” adding that “in my eyes, the experienced spinner is still the English best spinner.”
“This is a huge responsibility, and it can be a significant test for bowlers who lack experience in the previous in these conditions,” Lyon remarked of slow bowling in matches Down Under.
“I won't let my secrets out so they come out and excel out here.”
England Selected Team for First Ashes Test
- Ben Stokes (c)
- The Pace Bowler
- The Seamer
- The Spinner
- The Batsman
- The Fast Bowler
- The Opener
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- The Wicketkeeper
- Mark Wood
