The Young Spinner Makes Unexpected Inclusion in England's Test Series Team
England have chosen a 12-man squad just two days ahead of the first Ashes Test, with Shoaib Bashir earning a unexpected place.
The 22-year-old’s inclusion suggests that the visiting team will delay until the day of the initial match to decide whether the venue conditions favor four seamers or the inclusion of a spin bowler.
Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are included in the 12-man group, indicating there are no doubts about either fast bowler's fitness.
The other seamers round out the bowling group, with the latter expected to be omitted if the spinner makes the final team.
Ground Conditions Favor Seamers
The England coach had been expected to choose an pace-only lineup on a venue that has staged five previous Tests.
During these matches, 134 wickets have been taken by seamers, with only 40 to spin.
Of those 40 wickets, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has taken the bulk, while all visiting spinners together have just a handful.
On a ground known for its speed and carry, and whose groundsman, Isaac McDonald, stated that these characteristics are “permanent and not going to change,” a team relying on seamers is still the probable decision.
Spin Options Weighed
There had been rumors that Will Jacks could be brought into the side to provide some spin while additionally bolstering the lower order.
But the coach has opted to stick with Bashir, having said earlier this year that he would be his first-choice slow bowler for the Ashes.
In July, Lyon described Bashir as “OK,” adding that “from my perspective, Jack Leach is still England’s best spinner.”
“It 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 remarked of spin bowling in Australian Tests.
“I’m not going to let my secrets out so opponents come out and excel out here.”
English 12-man Squad for First Ashes Test
- The Captain
- Jofra Archer
- Gus Atkinson
- Shoaib Bashir
- The Batsman
- Brydon Carse
- Zak Crawley
- The Batsman
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- Mark Wood
