Brendon McCullum has officially announced that Shoaib Bashir will be England’s primary spinner at the beginning of the Ashes series. McCullum is contemplating a change in vice-captain, considering Harry Brook taking over the role from Ollie Pope.
Shoaib Bashir, aged 21, faced criticism after his Test debut last year but has received continued support from McCullum and the England selectors. With 68 Test wickets in 19 matches at an average of 39 runs, Bashir is set to be a key player for England in the upcoming series against Australia.
Despite Bashir’s confirmed spot in the playing XI, the decision on his backup, potentially Liam Dawson or Reham Ahmed, is yet to be finalized. McCullum emphasized the importance of defining the role of the vice-captain, especially in case of any unforeseen circumstances.
Harry Brook, who was appointed as England’s white-ball captain earlier this year, is being considered as a future leader in the Test team. McCullum hinted at Brook’s emerging leadership qualities and the ongoing discussions regarding the vice-captaincy.
The fitness of Ben Stokes remains a crucial topic ahead of the Ashes, with McCullum mentioning the team’s contingency plans in case of any injury setbacks. Stokes’ all-round abilities and leadership are deemed essential for England’s success in the series.
McCullum assured that the team has various strategies in place to address any potential challenges, including backup options if Stokes faces fitness issues. The focus remains on preparing a strong and adaptable squad for the demanding Ashes series starting in Perth on November 21.
