The Young Spinner Makes Unexpected Inclusion in English Test Series Team
The English team has chosen a 12-man squad just two days ahead of the opening Test match, with the 22-year-old spinner securing a surprise spot.
The 22-year-old’s selection suggests that the visiting team will wait until the morning of the initial match to decide whether the venue conditions suit a pace-heavy attack or the inclusion of a spin bowler.
Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are included in the 12-man squad, showing there are no concerns about either fast bowler's fitness.
The other seamers round out the bowling group, with Carse expected to be omitted if the spinner enters the starting XI.
Ground Conditions Favor Seamers
The England coach had been anticipated to opt for an pace-only lineup on a ground that has hosted five past matches.
In those games, the majority of dismissals have fallen to pace bowling, with only a small number to spin.
Among these spin dismissals, the veteran spinner has taken the bulk, while overseas slow bowlers combined have just a handful.
On a ground known for its pace and bounce, and whose curator, the pitch preparer, pledged that these characteristics are “permanent and not going to change,” a side loaded with seamers remains the more likely decision.
Spin Options Considered
Previously there was speculation that the all-rounder could be brought into the team to provide some spin while additionally bolstering the lower order.
But McCullum has chosen to keep faith with Bashir, having said earlier this year that he would be his preferred slow bowler for the Ashes.
Earlier, Nathan Lyon described Bashir as “OK,” adding that “in my eyes, the experienced spinner is still England’s best spinner.”
“It is a huge responsibility, and it can be a massive challenge for bowlers who haven’t done it in the past in Australian pitches,” he said of slow bowling in Australian Tests.
“I won't reveal my strategies so they come out and perform well out here.”
English 12-man Squad for Opening Match
- The Captain
- Jofra Archer
- The Seamer
- Shoaib Bashir
- The Batsman
- Brydon Carse
- The Opener
- Ben Duckett
- Ollie Pope
- Joe Root
- Jamie Smith (wk)
- Mark Wood
