Shoaib Bashir Makes Unexpected Inclusion in England's Test Series Team
England have opted for a twelve-player selection just 48 hours before the opening Test match, with Shoaib Bashir earning a surprise place.
Bashir's inclusion indicates that the visiting team will wait until the day of the initial match to decide whether the venue pitch suit four seamers or the addition of a spinner.
Both pace bowlers are included in the selected group, showing there are no concerns about either pace bowler’s condition.
Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse round out the attack, with Carse expected to miss out if Bashir makes the final team.
Pitch Factors Lean Toward Seamers
The England coach had been expected to opt for an pace-only lineup on a venue that has staged several previous Tests.
In those matches, the majority of dismissals have fallen to seamers, with only a small number to spin bowling.
Of those spin dismissals, the veteran spinner has claimed the bulk, while all visiting spinners combined have just a handful.
At a venue known for its pace and bounce, and whose curator, the pitch preparer, pledged that these characteristics are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a team relying on seamers is still the more likely decision.
Alternative Choices Considered
Previously there was rumors that the all-rounder could be parachuted into the side to offer some slow bowling while also strengthening the batting lineup.
However the coach has chosen to stick with the young spinner, having stated previously that he would be his preferred spinner for the series.
In July, Nathan Lyon described the English spinner as “decent,” adding that “from my perspective, 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 past in Australian pitches,” Lyon said of slow bowling in matches Down Under.
“I won't let my secrets out so opponents perform and excel out here.”
English 12-man Squad for Opening Match
- The Captain
- The Pace Bowler
- Gus Atkinson
- The Spinner
- Harry Brook
- Brydon Carse
- The Opener
- The Batsman
- Ollie Pope
- The Veteran
- The Wicketkeeper
- The Speedster
