Shoaib Bashir Makes Surprise Selection in England's Ashes Squad
England have opted for a 12-man selection just two days before the opening Test match, with Shoaib Bashir securing a surprise place.
Bashir's selection indicates that the visiting team will delay until the day of the first Test to determine whether Perth Stadium pitch favor four seamers or the addition of a spin bowler.
Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are part of the selected squad, indicating there are no concerns about their pace bowler’s fitness.
The other seamers round out the bowling group, with the latter expected to be omitted if the spinner makes the starting XI.
Ground Conditions Lean Toward Pace Bowlers
Brendon McCullum had been expected to choose an pace-only lineup on a venue that has hosted five past matches.
During these matches, the majority of dismissals have been taken by seamers, with only a small number to spin bowling.
Of those 40 wickets, the veteran spinner has taken the bulk, while all visiting spinners together have just a handful.
On a ground renowned for its speed and carry, and whose groundsman, the pitch preparer, pledged that these characteristics are “permanent and not going to change,” a side relying on seamers is still the more likely decision.
Spin Options Considered
There had been speculation that Will Jacks could be parachuted into the team to offer some spin while also strengthening the batting lineup.
However McCullum has opted to stick with the young spinner, having stated earlier this year that he would be his preferred slow bowler for the series.
Earlier, Nathan Lyon described the English spinner as “decent,” adding that “in my eyes, Jack Leach is still the English best spinner.”
“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 slow bowling in Australian Tests.
“I won't let my secrets out so they come out and perform well out here.”
English 12-man Squad for Opening Match
- The Captain
- Jofra Archer
- The Seamer
- The Spinner
- The Batsman
- Brydon Carse
- The Opener
- The Batsman
- Ollie Pope
- The Veteran
- The Wicketkeeper
- Mark Wood
