The Young Spinner Earns Surprise Inclusion in English Test Series Team
The English team has chosen a twelve-player selection just 48 hours ahead of the opening Test match, with Shoaib Bashir earning a surprise place.
Bashir's selection indicates that the visiting team will wait until the day of the first Test to decide whether Perth Stadium pitch favor a pace-heavy attack or the addition of a spinner.
Jofra Archer and Mark Wood are part of the 12-man group, indicating there are no doubts about either fast bowler's fitness.
The other seamers complete the bowling group, with the latter most likely to miss out if the spinner enters the final team.
Pitch Factors Lean Toward Pace Bowlers
The England coach had been expected to opt for an pace-only lineup on a ground that has staged five previous Tests.
During these games, 134 wickets have fallen to seamers, with only 40 to spin.
Of those 40 wickets, the veteran spinner has claimed the bulk, while overseas slow bowlers combined have only eight.
At a venue known for its speed and carry, and whose groundsman, Isaac McDonald, stated that these characteristics are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a team relying on seamers remains the probable choice.
Alternative Choices Weighed
Previously there was speculation that Will Jacks could be brought into the side to offer some spin while also bolstering the lower order.
However McCullum has chosen to stick with the young spinner, having stated earlier this year that he would be his preferred slow bowler for the series.
Earlier, Nathan Lyon described the English spinner as “OK,” saying that “from my perspective, the experienced spinner is still England’s best spinner.”
“It is a massive role, and it can be a massive challenge for people who haven’t done it in the previous in these conditions,” he said of spin bowling in Australian Tests.
“I won't reveal my strategies so opponents perform and perform well out here.”
England Selected Team for Opening Match
- Ben Stokes (c)
- Jofra Archer
- The Seamer
- The Spinner
- Harry Brook
- Brydon Carse
- The Opener
- Ben Duckett
- The Middle-Order
- The Veteran
- The Wicketkeeper
- Mark Wood
