Shoaib Bashir Makes Surprise Inclusion in English Ashes Squad
England have chosen a twelve-player squad just 48 hours ahead of the opening Test match, with Shoaib Bashir earning a unexpected place.
The 22-year-old’s inclusion indicates that the tourists will wait until the morning of the first Test to decide whether Perth Stadium conditions suit four seamers or the addition of a spin bowler.
Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are included in the selected squad, showing there are no concerns about either fast bowler's condition.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse round out the attack, with Carse expected to be omitted if Bashir makes the starting XI.
Pitch Factors Lean Toward Pace Bowlers
Brendon McCullum had been expected to choose an all-seam attack on a ground that has hosted several past matches.
During these matches, the majority of dismissals have fallen to pace bowling, with only a small number to spin.
Among these 40 wickets, the veteran spinner has taken 29, while overseas slow bowlers combined have only eight.
On a ground known for its speed and carry, and whose groundsman, the pitch preparer, stated that these characteristics are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a team relying on seamers is still the probable decision.
Alternative Choices Weighed
Previously there was speculation that Will Jacks could be parachuted into the side to offer some slow bowling while also bolstering the batting lineup.
However the coach has opted to stick with the young spinner, having said previously that he would be his preferred spinner for the series.
Earlier, Nathan Lyon commented on the English spinner as “decent,” adding that “in my eyes, Jack Leach is still the English top slow bowler.”
“This is a huge responsibility, and it can be a massive challenge for bowlers who haven’t done it in the past in Australian pitches,” Lyon remarked of spin bowling in matches Down Under.
“I won't reveal my strategies so opponents come out and perform well out here.”
English Selected Team for Opening Match
- The Captain
- The Pace Bowler
- Gus Atkinson
- Shoaib Bashir
- The Batsman
- Brydon Carse
- The Opener
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope
- The Veteran
- The Wicketkeeper
- Mark Wood
