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England's Bold Spin Gamble: Shoaib Bashir Picked for Crucial Sydney Ashes Test

England have named a 12-man squad for the fifth and final Ashes Test in Sydney, making two key changes from their Melbourne victory. Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir has been included, marking the first time England have selected a specialist spinner in this series, while pacer Matthew Potts also returns. The squad sees Gus Atkinson ruled out with a hamstring injury ahead of the series finale at the SCG. The match will also be a farewell for Australian veteran Usman Khawaja, who has confirmed his retirement from international cricket following the Test.

Key Points: England Name Squad for Sydney Ashes Test | Bashir, Potts In

  • Bashir first specialist spinner of series
  • Potts recalled for pace
  • Atkinson out injured
  • Khawaja to retire after Test
  • England's 12-man squad named
2 min read

Ashes: Shaoib Bashir picked as England name 12-man squad for Sydney Test

England name 12-man squad for the 5th Ashes Test. Shoaib Bashir selected as first specialist spinner of series, with Matthew Potts also included. Details inside.

"Notably, this is the first time England have gone with a specialist spinner in the ongoing Ashes series. - Report"

Sydney . Januar, y 2

The England and Wales Cricket Board on Friday named a 12-member squad for the upcoming fifth and final Test against host Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney. The Ashes series finale will start on January 4.

The Three Lions have made two changes from their previous squad for the fourth Test against Australia in Melbourne. Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir and speedster Matthew Potts have been included in the 12-member team.

The 22-year-old Shoaib Bashir, who made his Test debut against India in 2024, has played 19 Test matches and taken 68 wickets at an average of 39.00. The off-spinner has taken two four-wicket hauls and four fifers in Tests till now.

Notably, this is the first time England have gone with a specialist spinner in the ongoing Ashes series. Earlier, all-rounder Will Jacks was the only spin bowling option for the Three Lions.

The 27-year-old Matthew Potts made his Test debut against New Zealand at iconic Lord's in June 2022. Since then, the right-arm pacer has played 10 matches, picking 36 wickets at an average of 29.44, including two four-wicket hauls.

Right-arm pacer Gus Atkinson is the only player missing from the side that defeated Australia in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne by four wickets. Atkinson has been ruled out of the fifth Test due to a hamstring injury.

Ahead of the fifth Test, veteran Australian opener Usman Khawaja confirmed that he will retire from international cricket after the conclusion of the fifth Ashes Test against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground, beginning later this month, as confirmed by ESPNcricinfo.

The 39-year-old left-hander will bring the curtain down on his international career after a distinguished run that has seen him represent Australia in 87 Tests, scoring 6,206 runs at an average of 43.39. His Test career includes 16 centuries and 28 half-centuries across 157 innings.

England squad for the fifth Ashes Test:

Ben Stokes (captain), Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Josh Tongue.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Priya S
Khawaja retiring is the bigger news for me. What a fantastic career he's had. Respect from an Indian cricket fan. He always played with such grace and solid technique. The Ashes will miss a player of his caliber.
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Aman W
Bashir's stats (avg 39) don't look very threatening on paper, especially for a spinner. England might be taking a bit of a gamble here. Hope it pays off and makes for a competitive final test!
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Sarah B
As a neutral fan living in India, I just love the drama of the Ashes! Potts is a good inclusion too. Shame about Atkinson's injury. Hoping for a thrilling finale to send off Khawaja in style.
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Vikram M
England's squad looks a bit light on experience, no? They are banking on youth. Stokes's captaincy will be tested. From an Indian perspective, it's good to see how other teams manage transitions. Our bench strength is being tested too.
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Karthik V
Bashir picked for the Ashes after playing against India... feels like a proper trial by fire for any spinner! Hope he gets a good spell. The series has been fantastic to watch, even from here in Mumbai.

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