The Young Spinner Earns Surprise Inclusion in England's Test Series Squad
The English team has chosen a twelve-player selection just two days before the opening Test match, with Shoaib Bashir securing a surprise place.
The 22-year-old’s selection suggests that the visiting team will delay until the day of the first Test to determine whether the venue conditions favor a pace-heavy attack or the addition of a spin bowler.
Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are included in the 12-man squad, showing there are no concerns about their fast bowler's fitness.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse complete the attack, with Carse expected to miss out if Bashir enters the final team.
Pitch Factors Favor Seamers
The England coach had been anticipated to choose an all-seam attack on a venue that has staged five previous Tests.
In those games, 134 wickets have fallen to seamers, with only 40 to spin bowling.
Among these spin dismissals, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has taken 29, while all visiting spinners together have just a handful.
On a ground renowned for its speed and carry, and whose groundsman, Isaac McDonald, stated that these characteristics are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a side loaded with fast bowlers is still the probable choice.
Spin Options Considered
Previously there was rumors that the all-rounder could be parachuted into the team to provide some spin while also strengthening the lower order.
However McCullum has opted to stick with Bashir, having said previously that he would be his preferred spinner for the Ashes.
Earlier, Lyon commented on the English spinner as “decent,” saying that “from my perspective, the experienced spinner is still England’s best spinner.”
“This is a massive role, and it can be a significant test for bowlers who haven’t done it in the previous in Australian pitches,” Lyon said of spin bowling in Australian Tests.
“I won't let my secrets out so opponents come out and perform well out here.”
England Selected Team for Opening Match
- The Captain
- The Pace Bowler
- Gus Atkinson
- Shoaib Bashir
- The Batsman
- The Fast Bowler
- Zak Crawley
- The Batsman
- Ollie Pope
- The Veteran
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- Mark Wood
