Ask Onix
England opt for all-rounder over specialist spinner
England have left out 22-year-old off-spinner Shoaib Bashir for the pivotal third Ashes Test against Australia in Adelaide, choosing to retain all-rounder Will Jacks instead.
Spin strategy under scrutiny
The decision raises questions about England's long-term plan for Bashir, who has been learning on the job in Test cricket over the past two years. While conditions in Australia were initially cited as the reason for his omission in the first two Tests, the return of Australia's Nathan Lyon-who has 63 wickets at Adelaide-adds pressure on England's spin selection.
Lyon, who missed the second Test with injury, will play on a ground where he has historically dominated. The extreme heat forecast for Adelaide (up to 39°C on Thursday) is expected to further highlight the importance of spin bowling.
Bashir's rollercoaster journey
Bashir made his England debut in India in early 2024 and has taken 68 wickets in 19 Tests at an average of 39. His last appearance came in July, where he broke his finger during the third Test against India. His standout moment was taking the winning wicket at Lord's in that series.
Despite being backed by captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum for his high release point and ability to extract bounce, Bashir has struggled in Australia. He managed figures of 2-266 in two tour matches and appeared out of rhythm in training.
England's squad does not include another specialist spinner, with Rehan Ahmed, Liam Dawson, and Jack Leach overlooked. Instead, Jacks-primarily a batter with just six first-class wickets this year-will shoulder the spin duties.
Team changes and challenges
England's only change from the Brisbane Test is the inclusion of pace bowler Josh Tongue, replacing Gus Atkinson. Atkinson has struggled, taking three wickets at an average of 78 in the first two Tests. Tongue, 28, has 31 wickets in six Tests and dismissed Australia's Steve Smith twice in his only previous Ashes appearance at Lord's in 2023.
Australia, meanwhile, welcome back captain Pat Cummins after he missed the first two Tests with a back injury. The hosts hold a 1-0 series lead, meaning England must win in Adelaide to keep their Ashes hopes alive.
Batter Brook acknowledges struggles
England's Harry Brook has admitted to poor shot selection in the series, scoring just one half-century in four innings. He described his dismissals in Perth and Brisbane as "shocking" and vowed to better manage pressure situations.
"Sometimes I've got to rein it in a little bit. To learn when to absorb the pressure and realise when the opportunity arises to put the pressure back on."
Harry Brook
England's XI for Adelaide
Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (captain), Jamie Smith, Will Jacks, Brydon Carse, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue.
