The Young Spinner Earns Surprise Selection in English Ashes Squad

England have opted for a twelve-player squad just two days before the first Ashes Test, with the 22-year-old spinner securing a unexpected spot.

Bashir's selection suggests that the visiting team will wait until the morning of the first Test to determine whether the venue pitch favor a pace-heavy attack or the inclusion of a spinner.

Both pace bowlers are included in the 12-man squad, showing there are no doubts about their pace bowler’s fitness.

The other seamers round out the attack, with the latter expected to miss out if Bashir makes the starting XI.

Pitch Factors Lean Toward Seamers

The England coach had been anticipated to opt for an all-seam attack on a venue that has staged several past matches.

During these games, 134 wickets have fallen to pace bowling, with only 40 to spin.

Of those spin dismissals, the veteran spinner has taken the bulk, while overseas slow bowlers combined have just a handful.

On a ground known for its speed and carry, and whose curator, the pitch preparer, pledged that these characteristics are “a mainstay and not going to change,” a team loaded with fast bowlers remains the more likely decision.

Alternative Choices Weighed

There had been rumors that the all-rounder could be brought into the side to provide some spin while additionally bolstering the batting lineup.

But the coach has chosen to keep faith with the young spinner, having said earlier this year that he would be his first-choice slow bowler for the series.

In July, Lyon described Bashir as “decent,” adding that “in my eyes, the experienced spinner is still England’s top slow bowler.”

“This is a huge responsibility, and it can be a significant test for people who haven’t done it in the previous in Australian pitches,” Lyon remarked of spin bowling in matches Down Under.

“I’m not going to let my secrets out so opponents perform and perform well out here.”

English 12-man Squad for Opening Match

• The Captain
• The Pace Bowler
• The Seamer
• Shoaib Bashir
• Harry Brook
• The Fast Bowler
• The Opener
• The Batsman
• Ollie Pope
• Joe Root
• Jamie Smith (wk)
• The Speedster