The Young Spinner Makes Surprise Inclusion in English Test Series Squad
England have chosen a 12-man squad just 48 hours ahead of the opening Test match, with Shoaib Bashir securing a unexpected spot.
The 22-year-old’s inclusion suggests that the visiting team will delay until the day of the first Test to decide whether the venue pitch suit a pace-heavy attack or the addition of a spin bowler.
Both pace bowlers are part of the selected group, showing there are no doubts about either pace bowler’s condition.
The other seamers round out the bowling group, with the latter expected to miss out if the spinner makes the starting XI.
Ground Conditions Lean Toward Seamers
Brendon McCullum had been expected to choose an all-seam attack on a ground that has staged five past matches.
During these games, 134 wickets have been taken by pace bowling, with only a small number to spin.
Among these spin dismissals, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has taken the bulk, while overseas slow bowlers together have only eight.
At a venue renowned for its speed and carry, and whose curator, the pitch preparer, stated that these characteristics are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a side loaded with fast bowlers remains the probable choice.
Spin Options Weighed
Previously there was speculation that Will Jacks could be brought into the team to provide some slow bowling while additionally bolstering the batting lineup.
However the coach has opted to stick with Bashir, having said earlier this year that he would be his first-choice slow bowler for the Ashes.
In July, Nathan Lyon commented on the English spinner as “decent,” saying that “in my eyes, Jack Leach is still England’s top slow bowler.”
“It is a huge responsibility, and it can be a massive challenge for bowlers who haven’t done it in the past in these conditions,” Lyon said of slow bowling in Australian Tests.
“I’m not going to reveal my strategies so opponents perform and perform well out here.”
England 12-man Squad for First Ashes Test
- The Captain
- Jofra Archer
- The Seamer
- The Spinner
- Harry Brook
- Brydon Carse
- The Opener
- The Batsman
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- The Wicketkeeper
- Mark Wood
