England captain Ben Stokes has moved to reassure spinner Shoaib Bashir of his standing within the team, despite the surprise decision to drop him for the crucial second Ashes Test in Brisbane.
Gamble at the Gabba
For Thursday's day-night clash at The Gabba, England's selectors have rolled the dice with a bold team change. All-rounder Will Jacks has been recalled for his first Test appearance in three years, leapfrogging the specialist spinner in the pecking order.
Jacks, whose last cap came in Pakistan in December 2022, brings a combination of off-spin, power-hitting, and athletic fielding. This multi-dimensional skill-set has been favoured over the more traditional role of Bashir, who had enjoyed the unwavering support of Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum since breaking into the side 18 months ago.
Captain's Vote of Confidence
Despite the tactical snub, Stokes was quick to offer a personal assurance to the 22-year-old Somerset bowler. Bashir has been released to play for the England Lions in a concurrent four-day match against Australia A at nearby Allan Border Field.
"He knows if it was down to picking our best spinner, he'd have played," Stokes stated emphatically. The captain explained that the decision was based purely on the conditions expected at the Gabba and the specific tactical needs for this pink-ball Test.
"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 – obviously with Jacksy's ability with the bat, having that down the order for us is useful as well," Stokes added. "But if it ever comes down to picking our best, number one spinner, selection would go the other way."
Jacks Seizes Second Chance
For Will Jacks, this call-up represents a dramatic and unexpected second chance at Test cricket. His white-ball career has flourished in recent years, but his red-ball prospects had seemed distant until this tour.
Stokes believes the all-rounder has transformed himself since his debut in Pakistan. "He's turned himself into the cricketer I always thought he could be," the captain said, praising Jacks's performances in the nets and in training. This Test now presents a golden opportunity for Jacks to carve out a new, long-term path in the England side.
Wood Injury Update
Jacks officially replaces the injured paceman Mark Wood in the side. Wood is struggling with a left knee problem, the same joint he had surgery on in March, and has been seen moving gingerly with heavy strapping.
Stokes confirmed that Wood's target is now to be available for the latter stages of the series. "We've got a lot more time to go on this tour and we'll just see how things play out," he said, indicating the third Test in Adelaide might be ambitious, with the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne a more likely goal for the fast bowler's return.
The selection gamble at the Gabba sets the stage for a pivotal match in the Ashes series, with England hoping Jacks's all-round talents can help them level the contest.
