Shoaib Bashir Earns Unexpected Selection in English Test Series Squad
The English team has opted for a 12-man squad just 48 hours ahead of the opening Test match, with the 22-year-old spinner earning a surprise place.
Bashir's inclusion suggests that the visiting team will wait until the morning of the first Test to decide whether the venue conditions favor a pace-heavy attack or the inclusion of a spin bowler.
Both pace bowlers are included in the 12-man group, showing there are no concerns about either pace bowler’s fitness.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse complete the attack, with Carse most likely to miss out if the spinner enters the starting XI.
Ground Conditions Lean Toward Pace Bowlers
Brendon McCullum had been expected to choose an pace-only lineup on a ground that has staged several previous Tests.
In those matches, 134 wickets have been taken by pace bowling, with only a small number to spin bowling.
Of those spin dismissals, the veteran spinner has claimed 29, while all visiting spinners together have only eight.
On a ground known for its speed and carry, and whose curator, Isaac McDonald, pledged that these traits are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a side loaded with fast bowlers is still the more likely choice.
Spin Options Weighed
Previously there was rumors that Will Jacks could be brought into the side to offer some slow bowling while additionally bolstering the batting lineup.
However the coach has opted to keep faith with the young spinner, having said earlier this year that he would be his preferred spinner for the Ashes.
Earlier, Lyon commented on Bashir as “OK,” adding that “from my perspective, the experienced spinner is still England’s top slow bowler.”
“This is a massive role, and it can be a significant test 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 let my secrets out so opponents come out and excel out here.”
England 12-man Squad for Opening Match
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Jofra Archer
- The Seamer
- Shoaib Bashir
- Harry Brook
- Brydon Carse
- The Opener
- Ben Duckett
- The Middle-Order
- The Veteran
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- The Speedster
