Shoaib Bashir Makes Surprise Inclusion in England's Ashes Squad
England have opted for a twelve-player squad just 48 hours ahead of the opening Test match, with the 22-year-old spinner securing a unexpected place.
Bashir's selection indicates that the tourists will wait until the morning of the first Test to determine whether Perth Stadium pitch favor a pace-heavy attack or the inclusion of a spinner.
Both pace bowlers are part of the 12-man squad, indicating there are no doubts about either fast bowler's condition.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse round out the bowling group, with Carse expected to be omitted if the spinner makes the final team.
Ground Conditions Favor Pace Bowlers
The England coach had been anticipated to opt for an all-seam attack on a venue that has staged five previous Tests.
In those matches, 134 wickets have fallen to seamers, with only 40 to spin bowling.
Of those 40 wickets, the veteran spinner has claimed the bulk, while overseas slow bowlers together have just a handful.
At a venue renowned for its pace and bounce, and whose groundsman, the pitch preparer, stated that these traits are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a side loaded with seamers remains the probable choice.
Spin Options Considered
Previously there was rumors that the all-rounder could be parachuted into the side to provide some spin while additionally strengthening the batting lineup.
However McCullum has chosen to keep faith with Bashir, having said earlier this year that he would be his preferred slow bowler for the Ashes.
Earlier, Nathan Lyon described the English spinner as “decent,” saying that “in my eyes, the experienced spinner is still the English best spinner.”
“This is a massive role, and it can be a massive challenge for bowlers who haven’t done it in the past in these conditions,” he said of spin bowling in Australian Tests.
“I won't let my secrets out so opponents come out and perform well out here.”
English Selected Team for Opening Match
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Jofra Archer
- The Seamer
- The Spinner
- The Batsman
- Brydon Carse
- Zak Crawley
- The Batsman
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- Mark Wood
