The Young Spinner Makes Unexpected Selection in English Test Series Team
England have chosen a 12-man squad just 48 hours ahead of the opening Test match, with the 22-year-old spinner securing a surprise spot.
The 22-year-old’s inclusion suggests that the tourists will wait until the morning of the first Test to decide whether Perth Stadium conditions suit a pace-heavy attack or the inclusion of a spinner.
Both pace bowlers are part of the 12-man group, showing there are no doubts about their fast bowler's fitness.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse round out the attack, with Carse expected to be omitted if the spinner enters the final team.
Ground Conditions Favor Pace Bowlers
Brendon McCullum had been expected to opt for an all-seam attack on a ground that has hosted five previous Tests.
During these matches, 134 wickets have been taken by pace bowling, with only 40 to spin bowling.
Among these 40 wickets, Australia’s Nathan Lyon has taken 29, while overseas slow bowlers together have just a handful.
At a venue renowned for its pace and bounce, and whose groundsman, the pitch preparer, pledged that these characteristics are “permanent and not going to change,” a side loaded with fast bowlers remains the probable decision.
Spin Options Considered
Previously there was rumors that Will Jacks could be brought into the team to provide some spin while additionally bolstering the lower order.
However McCullum has opted to stick with Bashir, having stated previously that he would be his preferred spinner for the series.
Earlier, Lyon commented on the English spinner as “OK,” saying that “from my perspective, Jack Leach is still the English top slow bowler.”
“It is a huge responsibility, and it can be a significant test for people who haven’t done it in the previous in Australian pitches,” Lyon remarked of slow bowling in matches Down Under.
“I’m not going to reveal my strategies so opponents come out and perform well out here.”
English Selected Team for First Ashes Test
- The Captain
- Jofra Archer
- The Seamer
- Shoaib Bashir
- Harry Brook
- The Fast Bowler
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- The Middle-Order
- Joe Root
- The Wicketkeeper
- Mark Wood
