Key Highlights
- England names off-spinner Shoaib Bashir in squad for the first Ashes Test against Australia.
- Bashir could potentially play his first Ashes Test without being attached to a county team due to contract issues.
- The England squad will likely include an all-pace attack, with four specialist pace bowlers and Ben Stokes as an all-rounder.
- Perth Stadium is expected to provide “pace and bounce” conditions for the match.
The Ashes: England Names Bashir in Squad for First Test Against Australia
England has maintained their options open for the first Ashes Test by naming off-spinner Shoaib Bashir in a 12-man squad alongside five pace bowlers. Mark Wood, who has been cleared of injury, is set to play against Australia on Friday at Perth Stadium, with the final decision between Bashir and seamer Brydon Carse pending.
An All-Pace Attack or Spin?
If England opts for an all-pace attack, it would arguably be the fastest group of bowlers they have fielded in an Ashes Test. The side that won at home in 2005 included Steve Harmison, Simon Jones, and Andrew Flintoff; while Raymond Illingworth’s triumphant visitors to Australia in 1970-71 had Bob Willis, Peter Lever, and John Snow. England has backed Bashir as their first-choice spinner for over a year, but he hasn’t played competitively since July due to a broken finger and struggles in the warm-up match.
Conditions at Perth Stadium
Western Australia pitch curator Isaac McDonald stated that fans can expect “pace and bounce” from the surface at Perth Stadium. However, concerns over dryness on the pitch have brought Bashir into contention for selection. In five previous Tests staged here, Australian off-spinner Nathan Lyon leads with 29 wickets.
England’s Squad Composition
The squad for the first Test includes Ben Duckett, Zak Crawley, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wicket-keeper), Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Mark Wood, Jofra Archer, and Shoaib Bashir. England’s captain, Stokes, has emphasized the team’s positive outlook for the series.
Future Implications
This decision could work in England’s favor, given that five squad members have not played a Test in Australia before. Captain Stokes believes this might be an advantage, with his team being “very relaxed” and looking forward to doing something special.
The first Test commences at 02:20 GMT on Friday, with live coverage available via the BBC Sport website. The match promises to be one of the most eagerly anticipated Ashes series in recent memory, as England seeks to reverse their poor record against Australia since 2011.
