Shoaib Bashir Makes Unexpected Inclusion in English Ashes Squad
England have chosen a 12-man squad just 48 hours ahead of the first Ashes Test, with the 22-year-old spinner securing a unexpected spot.
The 22-year-old’s inclusion indicates that the visiting team will wait until the morning of the first Test to determine whether Perth Stadium pitch suit four seamers or the inclusion of a spin bowler.
Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are part of the 12-man squad, indicating there are no concerns about their pace bowler’s condition.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse complete the bowling group, with Carse most likely to miss out if the spinner enters the starting XI.
Ground Conditions Favor Seamers
Brendon McCullum had been expected to choose an pace-only lineup on a ground that has staged five previous Tests.
During these matches, the majority of dismissals have fallen to pace bowling, with only a small number to spin bowling.
Among these 40 wickets, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has taken the bulk, while all visiting spinners together have just a handful.
On a ground renowned for its speed and carry, and whose groundsman, Isaac McDonald, stated that these characteristics are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a team loaded with seamers remains the probable choice.
Spin Options Weighed
There had been rumors that Will Jacks could be parachuted into the side to provide some slow bowling while also strengthening the lower order.
However McCullum has chosen to stick with the young spinner, having said earlier this year that he would be his first-choice spinner for the series.
In July, Nathan Lyon commented on the English spinner as “decent,” adding that “from my perspective, Jack Leach is still England’s best spinner.”
“This is a huge responsibility, and it can be a massive challenge for bowlers who haven’t done it in the previous in these conditions,” Lyon remarked of slow 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 Opening Match
- Ben Stokes (c)
- The Pace Bowler
- Gus Atkinson
- Shoaib Bashir
- The Batsman
- Brydon Carse
- Zak Crawley
- The Batsman
- The Middle-Order
- Joe Root
- The Wicketkeeper
- Mark Wood
