Shoaib Bashir Makes Surprise Inclusion in England's Ashes Squad
England have chosen a 12-man squad just 48 hours before the first Ashes Test, with Shoaib Bashir earning a surprise spot.
The 22-year-old’s inclusion suggests that the visiting team will delay until the morning of the first Test to decide whether the venue pitch favor four seamers or the inclusion of a spinner.
Both pace bowlers are part of the 12-man squad, indicating there are no doubts about their fast bowler's fitness.
The other seamers complete the attack, with the latter expected to miss out if Bashir makes the starting XI.
Pitch Factors Lean Toward Pace Bowlers
The England coach had been anticipated to choose an all-seam attack on a ground that has staged several previous Tests.
During these games, 134 wickets have fallen to pace bowling, with only 40 to spin bowling.
Among these spin dismissals, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has claimed 29, while overseas slow bowlers together have just a handful.
At a venue known for its pace and bounce, and whose curator, Isaac McDonald, pledged that these traits are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a side relying on seamers is still the more likely decision.
Alternative Choices Weighed
Previously there was speculation that Will Jacks could be parachuted into the side to offer some slow bowling while also strengthening the lower order.
However the coach has chosen to keep faith with Bashir, having said previously that he would be his preferred spinner for the series.
Earlier, Lyon described the English spinner as “OK,” saying that “from my perspective, the experienced spinner is still the English best spinner.”
“It is a massive role, and it can be a significant test for bowlers who haven’t done it in the past in these conditions,” Lyon remarked of spin bowling in Australian Tests.
“I won't reveal my strategies so opponents perform and excel out here.”
England Selected Team for Opening Match
- The Captain
- Jofra Archer
- Gus Atkinson
- Shoaib Bashir
- Harry Brook
- The Fast Bowler
- Zak Crawley
- The Batsman
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- Mark Wood
