The Young Spinner Makes Surprise Selection in English Test Series Squad
The English team has opted for a 12-man squad just 48 hours before the opening Test match, with Shoaib Bashir earning a surprise spot.
The 22-year-old’s inclusion indicates that the visiting team will wait until the day of the first Test to decide whether the venue pitch suit four seamers or the inclusion of a spin bowler.
Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are included in the 12-man squad, showing there are no concerns about their fast bowler's fitness.
The other seamers round out the attack, with Carse expected to be omitted if the spinner enters the final team.
Ground Conditions Lean Toward Pace Bowlers
The England coach had been anticipated to opt for an all-seam attack on a venue that has hosted several previous Tests.
During these games, 134 wickets have fallen to pace bowling, with only 40 to spin bowling.
Of those 40 wickets, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has taken 29, while overseas slow bowlers combined have just a handful.
On a ground known for its speed and carry, and whose groundsman, the pitch preparer, stated that these characteristics are “permanent and not going to change,” a team relying on fast bowlers is still the probable decision.
Alternative Choices Considered
Previously there was speculation that the all-rounder could be parachuted into the team to provide some slow bowling while also bolstering the lower order.
However the coach has chosen to stick with the young spinner, having stated previously that he would be his preferred slow bowler for the Ashes.
In July, Nathan Lyon described Bashir as “decent,” adding that “from my perspective, Jack Leach is still England’s top slow bowler.”
“It is a massive role, and it can be a significant test for bowlers who haven’t done it in the previous in these conditions,” he said of slow bowling in matches Down Under.
“I’m not going to let my secrets out so opponents perform and excel out here.”
England 12-man Squad for First Ashes Test
- The Captain
- The Pace Bowler
- Gus Atkinson
- Shoaib Bashir
- The Batsman
- The Fast Bowler
- The Opener
- Ben Duckett
- The Middle-Order
- Joe Root
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- Mark Wood
