The Young Spinner Earns Surprise Selection in England's Ashes Squad
The English team has chosen a twelve-player squad just 48 hours ahead of the first Ashes Test, with the 22-year-old spinner securing a unexpected spot.
The 22-year-old’s inclusion indicates that the tourists will wait until the day of the first Test to determine whether Perth Stadium conditions favor four seamers or the inclusion of a spin bowler.
Both pace bowlers are included in the selected group, showing there are no concerns about their fast bowler's fitness.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse round out the bowling group, with the latter expected to be omitted if Bashir makes the final team.
Ground Conditions Lean Toward Seamers
Brendon McCullum had been anticipated to opt for an all-seam attack on a ground that has staged several previous Tests.
In those games, 134 wickets have fallen to pace bowling, with only 40 to spin.
Among these spin dismissals, the veteran spinner has claimed 29, while all visiting spinners combined have just a handful.
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 loaded with fast bowlers remains the more likely decision.
Spin Options Considered
Previously there was rumors that Will Jacks could be parachuted into the side to offer some slow bowling while additionally bolstering the lower order.
But McCullum has opted to keep faith with Bashir, having said previously that he would be his preferred spinner for the series.
In July, Nathan Lyon described the English spinner as “decent,” adding that “in my eyes, the experienced spinner is still the English top slow bowler.”
“It is a massive role, and it can be a massive challenge for bowlers who haven’t done it in the past in Australian pitches,” Lyon remarked of spin bowling in Australian Tests.
“I’m not going to let my secrets out so opponents come out and perform well out here.”
English 12-man Squad for First Ashes Test
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Jofra Archer
- Gus Atkinson
- Shoaib Bashir
- Harry Brook
- The Fast Bowler
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- The Middle-Order
- Joe Root
- The Wicketkeeper
- The Speedster
