Shoaib Bashir Makes Surprise Selection in England's Test Series Team
England have chosen a 12-man selection just two days ahead of the first Ashes Test, with Shoaib Bashir 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 conditions suit a pace-heavy attack or the addition of a spin bowler.
Both pace bowlers are included in the selected squad, showing there are no concerns about either pace bowler’s condition.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse complete the bowling group, with Carse expected to be omitted if Bashir enters the final team.
Ground Conditions Favor Pace Bowlers
Brendon McCullum had been expected to opt for an all-seam attack on a venue that has hosted five previous Tests.
During these matches, the majority of dismissals have fallen to seamers, with only a small number to spin bowling.
Of those 40 wickets, the veteran spinner has taken the bulk, while all visiting spinners together have only eight.
At a venue renowned for its speed and carry, and whose groundsman, Isaac McDonald, pledged that these traits are “permanent and not going to change,” a team loaded with fast bowlers is still the probable choice.
Spin Options Considered
There had been rumors that Will Jacks could be parachuted into the side to provide some slow bowling while also strengthening the lower order.
But the coach has opted to stick with Bashir, having said earlier this year that he would be his first-choice slow bowler for the Ashes.
In July, Lyon commented on Bashir as “OK,” adding that “from my perspective, the experienced spinner is still the English best spinner.”
“It is a huge responsibility, and it can be a significant test for bowlers who haven’t done it in the past in Australian pitches,” Lyon said of slow bowling in Australian Tests.
“I won't let my secrets out so they come out and perform well out here.”
England Selected Team for Opening Match
- The Captain
- Jofra Archer
- The Seamer
- Shoaib Bashir
- Harry Brook
- The Fast Bowler
- The Opener
- Ben Duckett
- The Middle-Order
- The Veteran
- The Wicketkeeper
- The Speedster
