Brendon McCullum has officially announced that Shoaib Bashir will lead England’s spin attack at the beginning of the Ashes series and hinted at a possible change in the vice-captaincy position. Despite facing criticism since his debut in Test cricket last year, the 21-year-old Bashir has retained the trust of McCullum and the England selectors.
Having claimed 68 Test wickets at an average of 39 runs over 19 matches, Bashir missed England’s recent encounters with India due to a fractured finger. However, he is set to join England’s squad for the upcoming Ashes series, with the decision on his backup, potentially Liam Dawson or Reham Ahmed, yet to be finalized.
McCullum, speaking to Test Match Special, emphasized the need for clarity on the vice-captain’s role, especially in the event of Bashir’s absence or for specific match scenarios. The possibility of Harry Brook taking over as vice-captain from Ollie Pope has also been highlighted, with Brook previously appointed as England’s white-ball captain and seen as a future leader of the Test team.
Stokes’ fitness remains a key concern ahead of the Ashes series, with McCullum acknowledging the importance of having contingency plans in place should Stokes suffer another injury setback. The England captain’s all-round abilities and leadership are deemed crucial for the team’s success.
As preparations intensify for the Ashes, McCullum mentioned that England has several backup options to cover for Stokes if needed. The team is focused on being well-prepared for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise during the highly anticipated series.
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