Shoaib Bashir Makes Surprise Inclusion in England's Ashes Team
England have opted for a twelve-player squad just 48 hours ahead of the opening Test match, with Shoaib Bashir earning a surprise place.
The 22-year-old’s inclusion indicates that the visiting team will delay 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 included in the selected squad, showing there are no doubts about either fast bowler's condition.
The other seamers complete the attack, with Carse expected to miss out if Bashir makes the final team.
Pitch Factors Favor Pace Bowlers
The England coach had been expected to opt for an pace-only lineup on a ground that has staged five past matches.
In those games, 134 wickets have been taken by pace bowling, with only 40 to spin.
Of those 40 wickets, the veteran spinner has taken the bulk, while all visiting spinners combined have only eight.
On a ground renowned for its pace and bounce, and whose curator, the pitch preparer, stated that these traits are “permanent and not going to change,” a side relying on seamers is still the more likely choice.
Alternative Choices Considered
Previously there was rumors that the all-rounder could be brought into the side to provide some slow bowling while additionally strengthening the batting lineup.
But the coach has chosen to stick with Bashir, having said previously that he would be his first-choice spinner for the Ashes.
Earlier, Nathan Lyon commented on the English spinner as “OK,” saying that “in my eyes, the experienced spinner is still the English best spinner.”
“It is a huge responsibility, and it can be a significant test for people who haven’t done it in the past in these conditions,” he remarked of spin 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
- Jofra Archer
- The Seamer
- Shoaib Bashir
- Harry Brook
- The Fast Bowler
- The Opener
- Ben Duckett
- The Middle-Order
- The Veteran
- The Wicketkeeper
- Mark Wood
