Shoaib Bashir Earns Unexpected Inclusion in English Test Series Team
The English team has chosen a twelve-player selection just 48 hours before the opening Test match, with the 22-year-old spinner earning a unexpected place.
Bashir's selection suggests that the visiting team will delay until the day of the initial match to decide whether Perth Stadium conditions favor four seamers or the addition of a spin bowler.
Both pace bowlers are included in the 12-man squad, indicating there are no concerns about their pace bowler’s condition.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse round out the attack, with the latter most likely to be omitted if Bashir enters the final team.
Ground Conditions Favor Pace Bowlers
Brendon McCullum had been expected to opt for an all-seam attack on a venue that has staged several previous Tests.
During these games, the majority of dismissals have fallen to seamers, with only 40 to spin.
Among these 40 wickets, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has taken the bulk, while overseas slow bowlers combined have only eight.
At a venue renowned for its pace and bounce, and whose curator, Isaac McDonald, stated that these characteristics are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a team loaded with seamers is still the more likely choice.
Alternative Choices Weighed
Previously there was rumors that the all-rounder could be parachuted into the side to provide some spin while also bolstering the batting lineup.
But the coach has chosen to stick with the young spinner, having said earlier this year that he would be his first-choice spinner for the Ashes.
In July, Lyon commented on Bashir as “OK,” adding that “from my perspective, the experienced spinner is still England’s best spinner.”
“It is a massive role, and it can be a massive challenge for people who lack experience in the previous in these conditions,” Lyon remarked of spin bowling in matches Down Under.
“I won't let my secrets out so opponents come out and perform well out here.”
England 12-man Squad for Opening Match
- The Captain
- Jofra Archer
- The Seamer
- The Spinner
- The Batsman
- Brydon Carse
- The Opener
- The Batsman
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- Mark Wood
