Shoaib Bashir Makes Unexpected Inclusion in English Test Series Squad
The English team has opted for a twelve-player selection just 48 hours ahead of the opening Test match, with Shoaib Bashir earning 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 spinner.
Both pace bowlers are part of the selected squad, indicating there are no doubts about either pace bowler’s condition.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse complete the bowling group, with Carse most likely to miss out if Bashir makes the starting XI.
Ground Conditions Favor Seamers
Brendon McCullum had been expected to choose an pace-only lineup on a venue that has staged five previous Tests.
In those games, 134 wickets have been taken by pace bowling, with only a small number to spin bowling.
Of those 40 wickets, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has claimed the bulk, while all visiting spinners combined have only eight.
On a ground renowned for its pace and bounce, and whose groundsman, the pitch preparer, pledged that these traits are “permanent and not going to change,” a side loaded with seamers remains the probable decision.
Alternative Choices Weighed
Previously there was rumors that the all-rounder could be parachuted into the side to offer some slow bowling while additionally bolstering the batting lineup.
But the coach has chosen to stick with the young spinner, having stated earlier this year that he would be his preferred slow bowler for the Ashes.
In July, Lyon commented on the English spinner as “decent,” saying that “from my perspective, Jack Leach is still the English best spinner.”
“It is a huge responsibility, and it can be a massive challenge for people who lack experience in the past in these conditions,” Lyon said of slow bowling in matches Down Under.
“I won't let my secrets out so they perform and excel out here.”
England Selected Team for First Ashes Test
- Ben Stokes (c)
- The Pace Bowler
- Gus Atkinson
- Shoaib Bashir
- The Batsman
- Brydon Carse
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- The Middle-Order
- The Veteran
- The Wicketkeeper
- Mark Wood
