Shoaib Bashir Earns Surprise Selection in English Ashes Squad
The English team has chosen a 12-man selection just two days 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 initial match to decide whether Perth Stadium conditions favor four seamers or the addition of a spin bowler.
Both pace bowlers are part of 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 miss out if Bashir makes the starting XI.
Ground Conditions Lean Toward Pace Bowlers
Brendon McCullum had been anticipated to choose an pace-only lineup on a venue that has staged five past matches.
In those matches, 134 wickets have been taken by pace bowling, with only 40 to spin.
Among these 40 wickets, the veteran spinner has taken 29, while overseas slow bowlers combined have just a handful.
At a venue known for its pace and bounce, and whose groundsman, Isaac McDonald, pledged that these characteristics are “permanent and not going to change,” a team loaded with seamers remains the probable decision.
Spin Options Considered
Previously there was speculation that the all-rounder could be brought into the side to offer some slow bowling while additionally bolstering the batting lineup.
However the coach has chosen to stick with the young spinner, having stated earlier this year that he would be his preferred slow bowler for the Ashes.
Earlier, Lyon described Bashir as “OK,” adding that “from my perspective, Jack Leach is still the English top slow bowler.”
“It is a massive role, and it can be a massive challenge for people who haven’t done it in the past in these conditions,” he remarked of spin bowling in Australian Tests.
“I won't let my secrets out so opponents come out and perform well out here.”
English Selected Team for Opening Match
- Ben Stokes (c)
- The Pace Bowler
- The Seamer
- Shoaib Bashir
- Harry Brook
- Brydon Carse
- Zak Crawley
- The Batsman
- Ollie Pope
- The Veteran
- The Wicketkeeper
- The Speedster
