Shoaib Bashir Makes Surprise Inclusion in England's Test Series Team
The English team has opted for a 12-man squad just 48 hours ahead of the first Ashes Test, with the 22-year-old spinner securing a unexpected place.
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 suit four seamers or the inclusion of a spin bowler.
Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are part of the selected squad, showing there are no doubts about either pace bowler’s condition.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse round out the bowling group, with the latter expected to miss out if the spinner makes the starting XI.
Ground Conditions Favor Pace Bowlers
The England coach had been anticipated to opt for an pace-only lineup on a ground that has staged several past matches.
During these matches, the majority of dismissals have fallen to seamers, with only 40 to spin.
Among these 40 wickets, the veteran spinner has taken 29, while overseas slow bowlers together have only eight.
On a ground renowned for its pace and bounce, and whose curator, Isaac McDonald, stated that these characteristics are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a side loaded with seamers is still the probable choice.
Spin Options Weighed
Previously there was rumors that Will Jacks could be brought into the team to offer some slow bowling while additionally strengthening the batting lineup.
But the coach has opted to keep faith with the young spinner, having said earlier this year that he would be his first-choice slow bowler for the Ashes.
Earlier, Lyon commented on the English spinner as “decent,” saying that “in my eyes, Jack Leach is still England’s top slow bowler.”
“It is a massive role, and it can be a significant test for people who haven’t done it in the past in these conditions,” Lyon remarked of slow bowling in Australian Tests.
“I’m not going to reveal my strategies so opponents come out and perform well out here.”
English 12-man Squad for Opening Match
- Ben Stokes (c)
- The Pace Bowler
- Gus Atkinson
- The Spinner
- Harry Brook
- Brydon Carse
- The Opener
- Ben Duckett
- The Middle-Order
- The Veteran
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- Mark Wood
