LONDON — In a bold selection move, England have named uncapped off-spinner Shoaib Bashir in a 12-man squad for the fifth and final Ashes Test against Australia, set to begin at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 4, 2025.
The 20-year-old Somerset bowler, who has impressed with his control and sharp turn in county cricket, is included as England look to square the series, having trailed 2-1 after a heavy defeat in Melbourne. His inclusion signals a potential shift in strategy for the SCG, a venue historically receptive to spin as a match progresses.
England captain Ben Stokes, addressing the media after the squad announcement, was effusive in his praise for the young spinner, highlighting a specific quality that caught the leadership's eye. "Bash has a fantastic temperament for a young lad, and he possesses that rare ability to make the ball 'talk' even on surfaces that aren't turning square. He's earned this chance," Stokes said.
A Pivotal Selection for Sydney
The decision to name Bashir comes after England's primary spinner, Jack Leach, struggled for penetration on the flatter pitches in Perth and Melbourne, managing only six wickets at an average of 58.5 across the first four Tests. With the series on the line, the selection panel, led by Director of Cricket Rob Key, has opted for a fresh option, viewing Bashir's height and high release point as assets for extracting bounce from the SCG surface.
Head Coach Brendon McCullum elaborated on the thought process, stating, "We've been tracking Shoaib's development closely. The Ashes is the ultimate test, and Sydney often presents a unique challenge in the second innings. We feel his skill set could be a point of difference for us in a must-win game. It's a fearless selection, and that's the mindset we want."
Bashir's journey to an Ashes squad is a remarkable one. Born in Surrey, he came through the Surrey age-group system before being released. He rebuilt his career at Somerset, where his performances in the 2024 County Championship, where he took 45 wickets at 24.80, forced his name into national contention.
Balancing the Attack for the SCG
The 12-man squad suggests England are keeping their final bowling combination open, likely deciding between playing two seamers and two spinners or opting for a more traditional three-seam, one-spin attack. The inclusion of both Bashir and Leach indicates a strong likelihood of a dual-spin strategy, a tactic England employed successfully in their 2022/23 tour of Pakistan.
The rest of the squad sees the return of express paceman Jofra Archer, who was rested for the Melbourne Test as part of his ongoing workload management. He is expected to spearhead the attack alongside the ever-reliable Chris Woakes and the left-arm angle of Sam Curran. The batting order remains unchanged from the fourth Test.
Key considerations for the final XI will include:
- The moisture in the SCG pitch on the morning of the match.
- The fitness of Ben Stokes' chronic knee issue and his ability to bowl.
- The historical tendency for the SCG pitch to deteriorate and take significant spin from day three onwards.
Australia's Response and Series Context
Australian captain Pat Cummins, when asked about the potential debut of Bashir, welcomed the challenge. "We've done our homework. He's a tall off-spinner who looks to attack the stumps. It's another challenge in an Ashes series, and we're prepared for it. The SCG can be tough for any spinner if the batters get on top," he remarked.
Australia, having retained the Ashes with their win in Melbourne, are now playing for a series victory on home soil. They are expected to name an unchanged side, with Nathan Lyon poised to play his 100th consecutive Test match—a remarkable feat for a specialist spinner. The milestone adds another layer of narrative to the spin-bowling contest.
The hosts' batting lineup, led by the prolific Usman Khawaja and the resilient Marnus Labuschagne, will be keen to exploit any nerves from a potential debutant. However, former England captain Michael Vaughan noted on commentary, "Sometimes, the unknown quantity is the most dangerous. Australia haven't faced him. That surprise element can be worth 20 or 30 runs."
A Legacy of Spin at the SCG
The Sydney Cricket Ground holds a storied history for spin bowling in Ashes contests. From Shane Warne's mesmerizing deliveries to Graeme Swann's match-winning six-wicket haul in 2011, spinners have often decided the fate of the New Year's Test. England will be hoping Bashir can channel some of that legacy if given the cap.
The selection also continues England's recent trend of backing youth and instinct under the Stokes-McCullum regime. From Harry Brook's rapid integration to the faith shown in Rehan Ahmed, the management has shown a willingness to make bold calls. Bashir's inclusion is firmly in that mould.
As the teams head to Sydney, the focus will intensify on the young off-spinner. Whether he makes the final cut or not, his naming in the XII is a testament to his rapid rise and England's aggressive approach to squaring the series. The final decision on the playing XI will be made after a close inspection of the pitch the day before the Test.
Conclusion: All to Play For
While the Urn remains in Australian hands, the final Test in Sydney is far from a dead rubber. For England, it is a chance to salvage a 2-2 draw, a result that would reflect a fiercely contested series and provide crucial World Test Championship points. For Australia, it is an opportunity to cement their dominance with a clear series win.
The inclusion of Shoaib Bashir adds a compelling subplot to this high-stakes finale. His potential debut represents hope, a tactical gamble, and the future of English spin. As the cricket world turns its eyes to the SCG, all will be revealed on the first morning: will England's bold call be the masterstroke that levels the series?
The England XII for the Fifth Ashes Test: B. Stokes (c), Z. Crawley, B. Duckett, O. Pope, J. Root, H. Brook, J. Bairstow (wk), C. Woakes, S. Curran, J. Archer, J. Leach, S. Bashir.