England captain Ben Stokes has moved to reassure spinner Shoaib Bashir of his pivotal role in the team's plans, despite the young bowler being left out of the XI for the crucial second Ashes Test at Brisbane's Gabba.
Tactical Gabba Omission for Bashir
On the eve of the day-night contest, Stokes confirmed that Will Jacks would play instead of Bashir, marking the sole change from the side defeated in Perth. The decision, Stokes explained, was rooted in the unique demands of a pink-ball match at the iconic venue and Jacks's superior batting capabilities lower down the order.
"We tried to look at how we thought spin was going to be used, and there was a bit of a tactical element to it," Stokes stated. "Obviously Jacksy’s ability with the bat, to have that down the order for us is useful as well."
However, the skipper was unequivocal about Bashir's status, asserting: "But if it ever comes down to picking our best, No 1 spinner, selection will go the other way... he knows that if it comes down to picking our best spinner, he’s the man." Bashir will instead feature for the England Lions in their unofficial Test against Australia A, starting in Brisbane on Friday.
Wood Fitness Race and Tribute to Smith
The other significant team news revolves around the absence of pace bowler Mark Wood, who is managing soreness in the left knee that was surgically repaired earlier this year. Stokes confirmed the team is working hard to have him available for the latter stages of the series.
"We’re doing everything we can and the medical group are doing everything they can to try and get him to potentially be available for selection in the last three," Stokes said, referencing the final three Tests after Brisbane.
Stokes also took a moment to honour the memory of former England batter Robin Smith, whose death was recently announced. Smith had been with the touring party in Perth, engaging with the Lions squad.
"News like that hits you a bit harder when you know that just last week he was there chatting with the Lions," a reflective Stokes noted. "He was an absolute belter of a bloke."
Looking Ahead in The Ashes
With the series poised after Australia's first Test victory, England's selection for the Gabba underlines their adaptable approach to specific conditions. The reaffirmation of Bashir's primary status provides clarity, while the management of Wood's fitness remains a critical subplot as the Ashes 2025-26 tour progresses towards Adelaide in a fortnight's time.
