Shoaib Bashir Makes Unexpected Inclusion in English Test Series Squad
The English team has opted for a 12-man squad just two days ahead of the opening Test match, with Shoaib Bashir earning a unexpected spot.
The 22-year-old’s inclusion suggests that the tourists will delay until the day of the initial match to determine whether Perth Stadium conditions favor a pace-heavy attack or the inclusion of a spin bowler.
Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are part of the 12-man squad, showing there are no concerns about their pace bowler’s condition.
The other seamers complete the bowling group, with the latter expected to miss out if Bashir enters the starting XI.
Pitch Factors Favor Pace Bowlers
The England coach had been anticipated to opt for an pace-only lineup on a venue that has staged several previous Tests.
In those games, 134 wickets have fallen to pace bowling, with only a small number to spin bowling.
Of those 40 wickets, the veteran spinner has taken the bulk, while all visiting spinners together have just a handful.
On a ground known for its pace and bounce, and whose groundsman, Isaac McDonald, pledged that these characteristics are “permanent and not going to change,” a side relying on fast bowlers remains the probable decision.
Alternative Choices Weighed
There had been rumors that the all-rounder could be parachuted into the team to provide some spin while also strengthening the batting lineup.
However McCullum has chosen to stick with Bashir, having said previously that he would be his preferred slow bowler for the Ashes.
In July, Nathan Lyon commented on Bashir as “decent,” saying that “in my eyes, Jack Leach is still England’s 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 remarked of slow bowling in Australian Tests.
“I won't reveal my strategies so they come out and excel out here.”
English Selected Team for Opening Match
- The Captain
- Jofra Archer
- The Seamer
- Shoaib Bashir
- Harry Brook
- The Fast Bowler
- The Opener
- The Batsman
- Ollie Pope
- The Veteran
- The Wicketkeeper
- The Speedster