The Young Spinner Makes Surprise Selection in English Ashes Squad
England have opted for a twelve-player selection just 48 hours ahead of the opening Test match, with the 22-year-old spinner securing a surprise place.
The 22-year-old’s selection 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 addition of a spin bowler.
Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are part of the selected group, showing there are no concerns about either fast bowler's fitness.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse round out the bowling group, with the latter most likely to miss out if Bashir makes the final team.
Ground Conditions Lean Toward Seamers
The England coach had been anticipated to opt for an all-seam attack on a venue that has hosted several past matches.
In those matches, 134 wickets have fallen to pace bowling, with only 40 to spin.
Of those 40 wickets, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has claimed the bulk, while all visiting spinners combined have only eight.
On a ground known for its speed and carry, and whose groundsman, Isaac McDonald, pledged that these characteristics are “permanent and not going to change,” a team loaded with seamers is still the more likely decision.
Spin Options Weighed
There had been speculation that Will Jacks could be brought into the team to provide some slow bowling while also bolstering the batting lineup.
However the coach has chosen to stick with Bashir, having said earlier this year that he would be his preferred slow bowler for the series.
Earlier, Lyon described the English spinner as “OK,” saying that “from my perspective, the experienced spinner is still the English 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 Australian pitches,” he said of slow bowling in Australian Tests.
“I’m not going to reveal my strategies so they perform and excel out here.”
England 12-man Squad for Opening Match
- The Captain
- Jofra Archer
- Gus Atkinson
- The Spinner
- The Batsman
- Brydon Carse
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- The Middle-Order
- The Veteran
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- The Speedster
