Shoaib Bashir Makes Surprise Inclusion in English Ashes Team
England have opted for a twelve-player squad just 48 hours ahead of the opening Test match, with the 22-year-old spinner earning a surprise spot.
The 22-year-old’s selection suggests that the visiting team will delay until the morning of the first Test to decide whether Perth Stadium pitch suit a pace-heavy attack or the inclusion of a spinner.
Both pace bowlers are part of the selected squad, indicating there are no concerns about either fast bowler's condition.
The other seamers complete the bowling group, with the latter most likely to be omitted if the spinner enters the starting XI.
Ground Conditions Lean Toward Seamers
The England coach had been anticipated to opt for an pace-only lineup on a ground that has hosted several previous Tests.
In those matches, 134 wickets have fallen to seamers, with only a small number to spin bowling.
Of those 40 wickets, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has claimed the bulk, while overseas slow bowlers combined have just a handful.
On a ground known for its speed and carry, and whose groundsman, Isaac McDonald, stated that these traits are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a team loaded with fast bowlers is still the more likely decision.
Alternative Choices Weighed
There had been rumors that the all-rounder could be parachuted into the team to offer some slow bowling while additionally bolstering the batting lineup.
However the coach has opted to keep faith with Bashir, having said earlier this year that he would be his preferred slow bowler for the series.
Earlier, Nathan Lyon commented on Bashir as “decent,” adding that “from my perspective, the experienced spinner is still the English best spinner.”
“It is a massive role, and it can be a massive challenge for bowlers who haven’t done it in the previous in Australian pitches,” he remarked of spin bowling in matches Down Under.
“I won't let my secrets out so they come out and perform well out here.”
England 12-man Squad for Opening Match
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Jofra Archer
- The Seamer
- The Spinner
- Harry Brook
- The Fast Bowler
- The Opener
- Ben Duckett
- The Middle-Order
- The Veteran
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- Mark Wood
