England have left out spinner Shoaib Bashir for the must-win third Ashes Test against Australia in Adelaide, a decision that could prove pivotal in the series.
The tourists, who trail 2-0 and must win to keep their hopes of regaining the urn alive, have made one change from the side beaten in Brisbane, with Josh Tongue replacing Gus Atkinson in the pace attack.
However, the omission of Bashir is the most eye-catching call. The 22-year-old has not played a Test since July and will again watch from the sidelines despite conditions at Adelaide traditionally favouring spin.
England have instead retained all-rounder Will Jacks, who played his first Test in three years in Brisbane. The decision underlines the faith captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum have placed in Jacks’ part-time off-spin, despite him taking just six first-class wickets this year.
Bashir’s absence raises questions over England’s long-term plan for the Somerset spinner, who has been asked to learn at the highest level despite not being his county’s first-choice slow bowler. His contract at Taunton expired at the end of the season and remains unresolved.
Since making his debut in India in early 2024, Bashir has taken 68 wickets in 19 Tests at an average of 39 and became England’s youngest bowler to reach 50 Test wickets. His most memorable moment came at Lord’s in July, when he took the winning wicket against India before breaking his finger later in the match.
England will now rely on Jacks as their sole spin option, while Australia welcome back Nathan Lyon, who has taken 63 Test wickets at Adelaide.
England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (capt), Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue.
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