The Young Spinner Makes Surprise Selection in English Ashes Squad
England have chosen a twelve-player squad just 48 hours ahead of the first Ashes Test, with the 22-year-old spinner securing a surprise spot.
Bashir's inclusion indicates that the tourists will delay until the morning of the first Test to decide whether Perth Stadium pitch favor a pace-heavy attack or the addition of a spin bowler.
Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are part of the 12-man squad, showing there are no concerns about either pace bowler’s fitness.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse round out the attack, with the latter most likely to miss out if Bashir makes the final team.
Ground Conditions Favor Pace Bowlers
Brendon McCullum had been anticipated to opt for an all-seam attack on a venue that has staged several previous Tests.
In those games, the majority of dismissals have been taken by seamers, with only a small number to spin.
Of those 40 wickets, the veteran spinner has claimed 29, while all visiting spinners combined have only eight.
On a ground known for its speed and carry, and whose groundsman, the pitch preparer, stated that these traits are “permanent and not going to change,” a side loaded with seamers is still the more likely choice.
Spin Options Considered
Previously there was speculation that Will Jacks could be parachuted into the team to provide some slow bowling while also bolstering the batting lineup.
However the coach has chosen to keep faith with Bashir, having stated previously that he would be his first-choice spinner for the series.
In July, Lyon commented on the English spinner as “OK,” adding that “in my eyes, Jack Leach is still the English top slow bowler.”
“It is a huge responsibility, and it can be a massive challenge for bowlers who haven’t done it in the previous in these conditions,” he remarked of spin bowling in Australian Tests.
“I’m not going to reveal my strategies so they come out and perform well out here.”
England Selected Team for Opening Match
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Jofra Archer
- The Seamer
- The Spinner
- Harry Brook
- The Fast Bowler
- The Opener
- The Batsman
- The Middle-Order
- Joe Root
- The Wicketkeeper
- The Speedster
