The Young Spinner Makes Surprise Selection in England's Ashes Squad
The English team has chosen a 12-man squad just 48 hours ahead of the first Ashes Test, with Shoaib Bashir securing a surprise spot.
The 22-year-old’s selection indicates that the tourists will wait until the day of the first Test to decide whether Perth Stadium conditions favor a pace-heavy attack or the addition of a spin bowler.
Both pace bowlers are included in the selected squad, showing there are no concerns about their fast bowler's fitness.
The other seamers complete the attack, with the latter expected to miss out if the spinner makes the final team.
Ground Conditions Favor Pace Bowlers
Brendon McCullum had been anticipated to opt for an all-seam attack on a venue that has staged several past matches.
During these matches, 134 wickets have fallen to seamers, with only 40 to spin bowling.
Among these 40 wickets, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has taken the bulk, while all visiting spinners together have only eight.
At a venue renowned for its speed and carry, and whose curator, Isaac McDonald, pledged that these characteristics are “permanent and not going to change,” a side loaded with seamers is still the probable choice.
Spin Options Weighed
Previously there was rumors that Will Jacks could be parachuted into the side to offer some slow bowling while also strengthening the batting lineup.
However the coach has chosen to keep faith with the young spinner, having stated previously that he would be his first-choice spinner for the Ashes.
In July, Lyon described Bashir as “OK,” adding that “from my perspective, Jack Leach is still the English best spinner.”
“This is a huge responsibility, and it can be a massive challenge for people who haven’t done it in the past in these conditions,” he remarked of spin bowling in matches Down Under.
“I won't reveal my strategies so opponents perform and perform well out here.”
England Selected Team for Opening Match
- The Captain
- The Pace Bowler
- Gus Atkinson
- The Spinner
- Harry Brook
- Brydon Carse
- The Opener
- The Batsman
- The Middle-Order
- Joe Root
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- The Speedster
