Shoaib Bashir Earns Unexpected Inclusion in English Test Series Squad
The English team has opted for a twelve-player selection just two days before the opening Test match, with the 22-year-old spinner earning a surprise spot.
The 22-year-old’s selection indicates that the tourists will wait until the day of the first Test to decide whether Perth Stadium conditions suit four seamers or the addition of a spin bowler.
Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are included in the 12-man squad, indicating there are no doubts about their fast bowler's fitness.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse round out the bowling group, with Carse most likely to be omitted if the spinner makes the final team.
Ground Conditions Lean Toward Seamers
The England coach had been expected to opt for an pace-only lineup on a ground that has hosted five previous Tests.
During these matches, the majority of dismissals have been taken by pace bowling, with only a small number to spin bowling.
Among these spin dismissals, the veteran spinner has taken the bulk, while all visiting spinners together have just a handful.
On a ground renowned for its speed and carry, and whose groundsman, Isaac McDonald, pledged that these traits are “permanent and not going to change,” a team loaded with seamers remains the more likely choice.
Alternative Choices Considered
There had been speculation that the all-rounder could be brought into the team to offer some slow bowling while also strengthening the lower order.
But McCullum has chosen to stick with Bashir, having stated earlier this year that he would be his first-choice spinner for the series.
Earlier, Nathan Lyon described Bashir as “decent,” saying that “from my perspective, the experienced spinner is still England’s best spinner.”
“It is a massive role, and it can be a significant test for people who lack experience in the past in Australian pitches,” he said of slow bowling in matches Down Under.
“I won't reveal my strategies so opponents come out and perform well out here.”
English Selected Team for Opening Match
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Jofra Archer
- The Seamer
- Shoaib Bashir
- The Batsman
- The Fast Bowler
- Zak Crawley
- Ben Duckett
- The Middle-Order
- Joe Root
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- Mark Wood
