NewKerala.com

Ben Stokes Reveals Tactical Reason Behind Bashir's Brisbane Snub

England captain Ben Stokes has opened up about the team selection for the second Ashes Test. He explained that leaving spinner Shoaib Bashir out was a tactical decision for the day-night match in Brisbane. Stokes still firmly believes Bashir is England's best spinner, but all-rounder Will Jacks was chosen for his batting depth. Australia currently leads the series after a convincing win in Perth.

Key Points: Ben Stokes Explains Shoaib Bashir Ashes Test Exclusion

  • Stokes cites tactical reasons for preferring Will Jacks' batting in the pink-ball Test
  • Bashir is released to play for England Lions against Australia A
  • The off-spinner last played a First-Class match in July due to injury
  • Australia leads the Ashes series 1-0 after winning the Perth opener
2 min read

There was a bit of a tactical element...: Ben Stokes opens up on Shoaib Bashir's exclusion from Brisbane Test

England captain Ben Stokes calls the decision to drop spinner Shoaib Bashir for the Brisbane Test a tactical move, while reaffirming his status as the team's best spinner.

"If it ever comes down to picking our best, number one spinner, selection would go the other way. - Ben Stokes"

Brisbane, December 3

England captain Ben Stokes has spoken out about off-spinner Shoaib Bashir's exclusion from the second Ashes Test against Australia in Brisbane, starting December 4.

The second Test will be a day-night Test at the Gabba. Ahead of the Brisbane Test, England have made a single change from the previous Test, which they lost in Perth.

Speedster Mark Wood was ruled out due to an injury, and all-rounder Will Jacks replaced him. During the pre-match press conference, Stokes said that Jacks' inclusion ahead of Bashir was simply a "tactical" decision for a pink-ball Test.

Bashir, along with Jacob Bethell, was released from the squad to play for England Lions against Australia A side in a four-day fixture at Allan Border Field, which starts on Friday.

"We tried to look at how we thought spin was going to be used, and there was a bit of a tactical element to it," Stokes said.

Stokes added that Bashir is still seen as England's best spinner.

"Obviously Jacksy's ability with the bat, to have that down the order for us is useful as well. [But] if it ever comes down to picking our best, number one spinner, selection would go the other way."

Bashir hasn't played a First-Class match since the second Test match against India at home in July. The off-spinner suffered a finger injury while attempting to take a catch and was ruled out of the series.

Bashir was expensive in England's internal warm-up match in Perth and, after being named in a 12-man squad for the Ashes opener. However, the off-spinner was left out in favour of an all-pace attack.

Meanwhile, Australia are leading the five-match Test series 1-0. The hosts won the opening Test in Perth by eight wickets after star batter Travis Head smashed a match-winning 123 to help Australia chase down 2a 05-run target.

England XI for second Ashes Test: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Feel for Bashir though. He was so impressive against us in India. Coming back from injury is tough, and then being dropped for 'tactics' must hurt. Hope he gets his chance soon.
A
Arjun K
England's obsession with all-rounders continues. Sometimes you need a specialist! A quality spinner can change the game, even in Australia. Remember Ashwin's impact? Just a thought.
S
Sarah B
Interesting to see how this plays out. The Gabba pitch can be tricky. If England lose again, this 'tactical' call will be questioned heavily. High stakes for Stokes!
V
Vikram M
As an Indian fan, I'm just enjoying the Ashes drama! But seriously, managing young spinners is an art. We've seen it with our team. Communication is key, which Stokes seems to be doing.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, I think it's a bit of a confusing message. You say he's your best spinner, but you don't pick him? Might affect the lad's confidence. Team balance is important, but so is backing your key players.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50