The Young Spinner Earns Unexpected Selection in England's Test Series Team
The English team has chosen a twelve-player selection just 48 hours ahead of the first Ashes Test, with the 22-year-old spinner securing a surprise place.
Bashir's selection indicates that the tourists will wait until the morning of the initial match to decide whether Perth Stadium conditions favor a pace-heavy attack or the inclusion of a spinner.
Both pace bowlers are part of the 12-man group, showing there are no concerns about either fast bowler's condition.
The other seamers round out the bowling group, with the latter most likely to be omitted if the spinner enters 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 several past matches.
In those games, 134 wickets have fallen to seamers, with only 40 to spin.
Among these 40 wickets, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has claimed the bulk, while overseas slow bowlers together have just a handful.
On a ground known for its pace and bounce, and whose curator, the pitch preparer, pledged that these traits are “permanent and not going to change,” a side loaded with seamers is still the probable decision.
Spin Options Considered
Previously there was rumors that the all-rounder could be parachuted into the side to offer some spin while also strengthening the lower order.
However McCullum has chosen to stick with the young spinner, having said previously that he would be his first-choice spinner for the Ashes.
In July, Nathan Lyon described Bashir as “OK,” saying that “in my eyes, the experienced spinner is still England’s best spinner.”
“This is a massive role, and it can be a significant test for bowlers who lack experience in the previous in Australian pitches,” he said of spin bowling in Australian Tests.
“I’m not going to let my secrets out so opponents come out and perform well out here.”
England 12-man Squad for First Ashes Test
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Jofra Archer
- Gus Atkinson
- Shoaib Bashir
- Harry Brook
- Brydon Carse
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- The Middle-Order
- Joe Root
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- The Speedster
