Perth, Australia – England has named uncapped spin bowler Shoaib Bashir in its squad for the first Ashes Test against Australia in Perth, signaling a potential shift in strategy as they seek to break a decade-long drought on Australian soil.
England’s pursuit of Ashes glory has historically been fueled by pace, with iconic attacks like the 2005 winning team featuring Steve Harmison, Simon jones, and Andrew Flintoff. Previous accomplished tours, including Raymond Illingworth’s 1970-71 victory, boasted Bob Willis, Peter Lever, and John Snow, while the 1954-55 triumph included Brian Statham and Frank ‘Typhoon’ Tyson. Even the controversial 1932-33 Bodyline series centered around short-pitched bowling aimed at unsettling Don Bradman.
However, England has not won a Test match in Australia since 2011, a record they are determined to reverse in this eagerly anticipated series.
Of the 16-man squad, only five players have prior Test experience in Australia. Despite this relative inexperience, Atkinson believes it could be an advantage. ”It could be an advantage,” he told BBC Sport. “There are a lot of players who have saeid they have had some tough times here in Australia. for us, we are a very relaxed, very positive group. No scarring. Its very exciting. we all see it as a huge opportunity to do something special.”
Meanwhile, Australia’s preparations were briefly interrupted on Wednesday by a lightning threat during their net session.
The Australian team is expected to hand a debut to opener Jack Weatherald, with uncapped pace bowler Brendan Doggett also set to feature following injuries to captain Pat Cummins and fellow seamer Josh Hazlewood.
