Shoaib Bashir Makes Unexpected Inclusion in England's Test Series Squad
The English team has chosen a 12-man squad just two days ahead of the first Ashes Test, with the 22-year-old spinner earning a surprise spot.
Bashir's inclusion suggests that the tourists will wait until the day of the initial match to decide whether the venue conditions suit a pace-heavy attack or the inclusion of a spinner.
Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are included in the selected group, indicating there are no concerns about their pace bowler’s condition.
The other seamers round out the attack, with the latter most likely to miss out if Bashir makes the final team.
Pitch Factors Favor Seamers
Brendon McCullum had been anticipated to choose an pace-only lineup on a venue that has hosted several previous Tests.
During these games, 134 wickets have been taken by pace bowling, with only 40 to spin.
Among these 40 wickets, the veteran spinner has taken the bulk, while all visiting spinners combined have only eight.
At a venue known for its speed and carry, and whose curator, the pitch preparer, pledged that these traits are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a side loaded with fast bowlers is still the probable choice.
Alternative Choices Considered
Previously there was rumors that the all-rounder could be brought into the team to offer some spin while also strengthening the lower order.
But McCullum has opted to stick with Bashir, having said previously that he would be his preferred slow bowler for the Ashes.
In July, Lyon described Bashir as “OK,” adding that “from my perspective, the experienced spinner is still England’s best spinner.”
“It is a massive role, and it can be a massive challenge for bowlers who haven’t done it in the past in these conditions,” he remarked of slow bowling in matches Down Under.
“I won't reveal my strategies so opponents perform and excel out here.”
English Selected Team for First Ashes Test
- The Captain
- Jofra Archer
- The Seamer
- Shoaib Bashir
- Harry Brook
- The Fast Bowler
- The Opener
- The Batsman
- The Middle-Order
- Joe Root
- The Wicketkeeper
- Mark Wood