Shoaib Bashir Makes Unexpected Selection in England's Test Series Squad
The English team has opted for a twelve-player squad just two days before the first Ashes Test, with the 22-year-old spinner earning a unexpected spot.
Bashir's inclusion indicates that the tourists will wait until the day of the first Test to determine whether Perth Stadium conditions favor four seamers or the addition of a spinner.
Both pace bowlers are part of the 12-man squad, showing there are no concerns about either fast bowler's fitness.
The other seamers round out the bowling group, with the latter most likely to be omitted if Bashir makes the final team.
Pitch Factors Favor Pace Bowlers
The England coach had been anticipated to opt for an pace-only lineup on a ground that has staged five previous Tests.
During these games, the majority of dismissals have been taken by pace bowling, with only 40 to spin.
Among these 40 wickets, the veteran spinner has claimed 29, while all visiting spinners combined have just a handful.
At a venue known for its speed and carry, and whose curator, the pitch preparer, pledged that these characteristics are “permanent and not going to change,” a team loaded with fast bowlers is still the more likely choice.
Alternative Choices Weighed
Previously there was rumors that the all-rounder could be parachuted into the team to offer some slow bowling while also strengthening the lower order.
However McCullum has opted to stick with the young spinner, having stated previously that he would be his preferred spinner for the series.
In July, Nathan Lyon commented on the English spinner as “decent,” saying that “from my perspective, Jack Leach is still the English top slow bowler.”
“This is a huge responsibility, and it can be a significant test for bowlers who haven’t done it in the previous in Australian pitches,” he remarked of slow bowling in Australian Tests.
“I won't reveal my strategies so opponents perform and excel out here.”
English Selected Team for Opening Match
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Jofra Archer
- Gus Atkinson
- The Spinner
- The Batsman
- The Fast Bowler
- Zak Crawley
- The Batsman
- The Middle-Order
- The Veteran
- The Wicketkeeper
- Mark Wood
