The Young Spinner Makes Unexpected Inclusion in English Test Series Team
The English team has opted for a 12-man squad just 48 hours ahead of the opening Test match, with Shoaib Bashir earning a surprise spot.
The 22-year-old’s inclusion indicates that the visiting team will delay until the day of the first Test to decide whether the venue pitch suit four seamers or the addition of a spin bowler.
Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are part of the 12-man squad, showing there are no doubts about their fast bowler's condition.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse complete the attack, with the latter expected to be omitted if Bashir makes the final team.
Pitch Factors Lean Toward Seamers
The England coach had been anticipated to choose an all-seam attack on a venue that has hosted five past matches.
During these matches, 134 wickets have fallen to pace bowling, with only a small number to spin.
Of those 40 wickets, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has taken the bulk, while overseas slow bowlers together have just a handful.
At a venue renowned for its pace and bounce, and whose curator, the pitch preparer, pledged that these traits are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a team loaded with fast bowlers remains the probable decision.
Spin Options Considered
Previously there was rumors that Will Jacks could be parachuted into the side to offer some spin while also bolstering the batting lineup.
But the coach has chosen to keep faith with Bashir, having stated previously that he would be his preferred slow bowler for the Ashes.
In July, Nathan Lyon commented on the English spinner as “OK,” saying that “in my eyes, the experienced spinner is still the English best spinner.”
“This is a huge responsibility, and it can be a massive challenge for people who lack experience in the past in these conditions,” Lyon said of slow bowling in Australian Tests.
“I’m not going to let my secrets out so they come out and perform well out here.”
England Selected Team for Opening Match
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Jofra Archer
- The Seamer
- The Spinner
- The Batsman
- The Fast Bowler
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- The Middle-Order
- The Veteran
- The Wicketkeeper
- The Speedster
