Shoaib Bashir Earns Surprise Inclusion in English Ashes Squad
The English team has opted for a twelve-player squad just 48 hours before the first Ashes Test, with the 22-year-old spinner securing a surprise place.
Bashir's selection suggests that the tourists will wait until the day of the first Test to decide whether Perth Stadium pitch suit four seamers or the addition of a spin bowler.
Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are part of the selected squad, showing there are no concerns about their fast bowler's condition.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse complete the bowling group, with Carse expected to be omitted if the spinner enters the starting XI.
Ground Conditions Favor Pace Bowlers
The England coach had been expected to choose an all-seam attack on a ground that has hosted five previous Tests.
During these games, the majority of dismissals have been taken by seamers, with only a small number to spin bowling.
Of those 40 wickets, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has claimed 29, while overseas slow bowlers combined have just a handful.
At a venue renowned for its speed and carry, and whose groundsman, Isaac McDonald, stated that these characteristics are “permanent and not going to change,” a team relying on seamers remains the probable decision.
Spin Options Weighed
Previously there was rumors that the all-rounder could be parachuted into the team to provide some spin while additionally strengthening the lower order.
However the coach has chosen to keep faith with Bashir, having stated earlier this year that he would be his preferred slow bowler for the series.
In July, Nathan Lyon commented on the English spinner as “OK,” saying that “in my eyes, Jack Leach is still the English top slow bowler.”
“This is a massive role, and it can be a significant test for people who haven’t done it in the previous in Australian pitches,” he said of slow bowling in matches Down Under.
“I won't let my secrets out so opponents come out and perform well out here.”
English 12-man Squad for Opening Match
- The Captain
- The Pace Bowler
- The Seamer
- The Spinner
- The Batsman
- The Fast Bowler
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- Mark Wood
