England have named off-spinner Shoaib Bashir in a 12-man squad for the fifth and final Ashes Test in Sydney, raising the prospect of a series debut for the tall tweaker. The tourists, who lost the urn after dropping the first three Tests but won the Boxing Day clash at the MCG, are considering changes after losing seamer Gus Atkinson to a hamstring injury.
Bashir's Long-Awaited Chance on Australian Soil
Despite a modest county record, England's selectors have heavily invested in Bashir in the lead-up to this tour, banking on his 193cm frame and high release point being effective in Australian conditions. However, he has been overlooked so far, with England opting for an all-pace attack in Perth before using part-timer Will Jacks in Adelaide, Brisbane, and Melbourne.
Bashir's opportunities with the ball on tour have been challenging. He was expensive in an internal practice match at Perth's Lilac Hill and later conceded 115 runs from 25 wicketless overs against Australia A in Brisbane. Reserve seamer Matthew Potts, noted for his accuracy and bounce, is the other potential addition to the XI, offering a different profile to the injured trio of Atkinson, Mark Wood, and Jofra Archer.
SCG Pitch Promises Intrigue Despite Green Hue
The Sydney Cricket Ground is traditionally considered Australia's most spin-friendly venue, but recent history tells a different story. In last year's Test against India, fast bowlers claimed 33 of the 34 wickets that fell. The pitch unveiled three days before the Test had a notably green tinge, but head curator Adam Lewis assured it would change significantly by Sunday's first ball.
"You want to see green tinge three days out," Lewis said. "If you’re not seeing any live grass three days out, then that’s when it's a worry... We’re really happy with the pitches at the moment. We’re looking good." He expects sunshine to reduce the greenness before the match begins.
England Target Australian Spin Option
England opener Zak Crawley has vowed his side will look to attack Australian spinner Todd Murphy if he is selected for what would be his first Test on home soil. Murphy replaced the injured Nathan Lyon for two Tests in England in 2023, taking seven wickets but conceding nearly five runs an over. He was unused in Melbourne as Australia played a five-man seam attack.
"Whoever plays, I think that’s the mantra of our team, is to try and put pressure on people," Crawley said. "Todd’s a very good bowler, but I can envisage us trying to put some pressure on him... That’s going to come with some risks, and if it’s turning it’s definitely going to be a threat."
The final Test begins at the SCG on Sunday, with England aiming to secure a second consecutive victory on Australian soil after their four-wicket win in Melbourne ended a 15-year drought.
