Shoaib Bashir Makes Surprise Selection in England's Test Series Team
The English team has opted for a 12-man squad just 48 hours ahead of the opening Test match, with Shoaib Bashir securing a unexpected place.
Bashir's inclusion indicates that the tourists will wait until the day 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 squad, indicating there are no doubts about either pace bowler’s condition.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse complete the bowling group, with the latter most likely to miss out if the spinner enters the final team.
Pitch Factors Favor Seamers
Brendon McCullum had been expected to choose an all-seam attack on a venue that has staged several past matches.
During these games, the majority of dismissals have fallen to pace bowling, with only a small number to spin bowling.
Of those 40 wickets, the veteran spinner has claimed the bulk, while all visiting spinners together have only eight.
On a ground renowned for its speed and carry, and whose groundsman, Isaac McDonald, pledged that these characteristics are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a team relying on fast bowlers is still the more likely decision.
Spin Options Weighed
Previously there was rumors that Will Jacks could be parachuted into the side to offer some slow bowling while also bolstering the lower order.
But McCullum has opted to keep faith with the young spinner, having stated earlier this year that he would be his first-choice slow bowler for the series.
Earlier, Lyon commented on the English spinner as “decent,” adding that “in my eyes, Jack Leach is still England’s best spinner.”
“It is a huge responsibility, and it can be a massive challenge for bowlers who lack experience in the previous in Australian pitches,” Lyon remarked of spin bowling in Australian Tests.
“I won't let my secrets out so they come out and perform well out here.”
England Selected Team for Opening Match
- The Captain
- Jofra Archer
- Gus Atkinson
- Shoaib Bashir
- Harry Brook
- Brydon Carse
- The Opener
- Ben Duckett
- The Middle-Order
- Joe Root
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- Mark Wood
