Shoaib Bashir Makes Surprise Inclusion in English Test Series Team
The English team has chosen a twelve-player selection just two days ahead of the first Ashes Test, with the 22-year-old spinner securing a surprise spot.
Bashir's selection suggests that the visiting team will delay until the day of the first Test to determine whether Perth Stadium pitch favor a pace-heavy attack or the inclusion of a spinner.
Both pace bowlers are part of the 12-man group, showing there are no concerns about their fast bowler's condition.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse round out the bowling group, with the latter expected to be omitted if Bashir makes the starting XI.
Ground Conditions Favor Seamers
Brendon McCullum had been expected to opt for an all-seam attack on a venue that has staged five past matches.
In those games, 134 wickets have fallen to seamers, with only 40 to spin.
Of those spin dismissals, the veteran spinner has taken 29, while overseas slow bowlers combined have only eight.
On a ground renowned for its speed and carry, and whose groundsman, Isaac McDonald, pledged that these characteristics are “permanent and not going to change,” a team relying on seamers is still the probable decision.
Alternative Choices Considered
There had been speculation that the all-rounder could be parachuted into the side to provide some spin while additionally strengthening the lower order.
But McCullum has opted to stick with Bashir, having stated previously that he would be his first-choice slow bowler for the series.
Earlier, Lyon commented on the English spinner as “OK,” saying that “in my eyes, the experienced spinner is still the English top slow bowler.”
“This is a massive role, and it can be a massive challenge for people who lack experience in the past in these conditions,” he said of spin bowling in Australian Tests.
“I won't let my secrets out so opponents come out and perform well out here.”
England 12-man Squad for Opening Match
- Ben Stokes (c)
- The Pace Bowler
- Gus Atkinson
- Shoaib Bashir
- The Batsman
- Brydon Carse
- The Opener
- The Batsman
- The Middle-Order
- The Veteran
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- The Speedster
