Shoaib Bashir Earns Unexpected Selection in English Ashes Team
England have chosen a 12-man squad just 48 hours ahead of the first Ashes Test, with Shoaib Bashir securing a surprise place.
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 favor a pace-heavy attack or the inclusion of a spin bowler.
Both pace bowlers are included in the selected group, showing there are no concerns about either pace bowler’s fitness.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse complete the attack, with the latter expected to be omitted if Bashir makes the starting XI.
Pitch Factors Lean Toward Seamers
The England coach had been expected to choose an pace-only lineup on a venue that has staged five past matches.
During these matches, the majority of dismissals have been taken by pace bowling, with only 40 to spin.
Among these spin dismissals, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has claimed the bulk, while all visiting spinners together have just a handful.
At a venue renowned for its pace and bounce, and whose groundsman, Isaac McDonald, stated that these characteristics are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a side relying on seamers remains the probable choice.
Spin Options Weighed
There had been speculation that Will Jacks could be parachuted into the team to provide some slow bowling while also strengthening the batting lineup.
However McCullum has opted to stick with the young spinner, having said earlier this year that he would be his preferred spinner for the Ashes.
Earlier, Lyon described the English spinner as “OK,” adding that “in my eyes, the experienced spinner is still the English top slow bowler.”
“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 slow bowling in Australian Tests.
“I’m not going to reveal my strategies so they perform and perform well out here.”
England Selected Team for Opening Match
- The Captain
- Jofra Archer
- Gus Atkinson
- Shoaib Bashir
- Harry Brook
- The Fast Bowler
- The Opener
- The Batsman
- The Middle-Order
- Joe Root
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- Mark Wood
