England have made a surprising and decisive selection for the second Ashes Test, thrusting all-rounder Will Jacks into the lineup for the crucial day-night encounter in Brisbane. The move comes as a direct replacement for the injured paceman Mark Wood.
A Surprising Spin Choice
In a move that prioritises batting depth and fielding agility, the tourists have chosen the off-spinning all-rounder Will Jacks ahead of the specialist spinner Shoaib Bashir. Jacks, a surprise inclusion in the original touring party, last played Test cricket three years ago on the turning pitches of Pakistan and has since been confined to limited-overs action.
The decision was finalised after both Jacks and Bashir bowled to captain Ben Stokes under lights in the nets on Monday evening. Jacks, aged 27, impressed enough to get the nod, despite Bashir having been England's primary spinner for much of the past two years, claiming 68 wickets in 19 Tests.
Jacks' All-Round Appeal Proves Decisive
England's think-tank, led by managing director Rob Key, has consistently highlighted Jacks' potential with the bat and his temperament as key factors. He offers four first-class centuries and an attacking mindset, significantly strengthening the lower order from the number eight position. His sharper fielding also adds value in a high-pressure series.
His bowling, while considered a work in progress, was deemed sufficient for the tactical requirements of a day-night Test at the Gabba. Captain Ben Stokes admitted to studying how Australia use Nathan Lyon in similar conditions, viewing a spinner as a tool for managing over rates and creating attacking opportunities.
Jacks also bolstered his case during the pre-series warm-up at Lilac Hill, playing for the England Lions and dismissing Stokes, Joe Root, and Harry Brook. However, his recent first-class form for Surrey has been modest, with just five wickets in three matches last summer.
Australia Forced into Change
The hosts, Australia, are also compelled into a change. Opener Usman Khawaja has been ruled out with the back injury that hampered him during the first Test in Perth. Travis Head, who scored a match-winning century as a makeshift opener, is expected to continue at the top of the order.
Beau Webster and Josh Inglis are now competing to fill the vacancy left by Khawaja in the Australian XI. England, meanwhile, will rely on their seam unit of Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, and Stokes himself to lead the attack, with Jacks providing a supportive spin option.
