Shoaib Bashir Makes Surprise Selection in England's Ashes Squad
England have opted for a 12-man squad just 48 hours ahead of the opening Test match, with the 22-year-old spinner earning a surprise place.
Bashir's inclusion suggests that the tourists will wait until the day of the initial match to decide whether Perth Stadium pitch favor a pace-heavy attack or the addition of a spin bowler.
Both pace bowlers are included in the selected group, showing there are no concerns about their fast bowler's condition.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse complete the attack, with Carse most likely to miss out if the spinner makes the final team.
Ground Conditions Favor Seamers
Brendon McCullum had been expected to opt for an all-seam attack on a venue that has hosted several previous Tests.
In those matches, the majority of dismissals have been taken by pace bowling, with only a small number to spin bowling.
Among these spin dismissals, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has taken the bulk, while all visiting spinners together have only eight.
At a venue known for its speed and carry, and whose groundsman, the pitch preparer, pledged that these characteristics are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a side relying on fast bowlers is still the more likely decision.
Alternative Choices Considered
Previously there was rumors that the all-rounder could be brought into the side to offer some slow bowling while additionally bolstering the batting lineup.
But McCullum has opted to stick with Bashir, having said earlier this year that he would be his preferred slow bowler for the Ashes.
In July, Nathan Lyon commented on Bashir as “decent,” adding that “from my perspective, Jack Leach is still the English best spinner.”
“This is a massive role, and it can be a massive challenge for people who haven’t done it in the past in Australian pitches,” Lyon said of slow bowling in Australian Tests.
“I won't reveal my strategies so opponents perform and perform well out here.”
England Selected Team for Opening Match
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Jofra Archer
- The Seamer
- Shoaib Bashir
- The Batsman
- Brydon Carse
- The Opener
- Ben Duckett
- The Middle-Order
- The Veteran
- The Wicketkeeper
- The Speedster
