Archive · 3 Dec 2025
Stokes backs Bashir as England's top spinner
England's cricket captain, Ben Stokes, has said that Shoaib Bashir is still their main spinner, even though Will Jacks is playing in the second Ashes Test in Brisbane.
Jacks is playing because he can bat well too, and Mark Wood is injured.
Bashir will play in a different match against Australia A. Wood is hoping to come back later in the series.
Ben Stokes confirmed Shoaib Bashir as England's primary spinner despite Will Jacks' selection for the second Ashes Test.
Will Jacks replaces the injured Mark Wood in the team for tactical and batting balance.
Bashir will play for the Lions against Australia A in Brisbane starting Friday.
Mark Wood is sidelined due to a knee injury but aims to return later in the series.
The selection is based on conditions and team balance, not a reflection on Bashir's standing.
- Who
- Ben Stokes, Shoaib Bashir, Will Jacks, Mark Wood
- What
- England's selection for the second Ashes Test
- When
- The second Ashes Test is scheduled for Tuesday, with the Lions' match starting Friday
- Where
- Brisbane, Australia
- Why
- To balance the team's needs and conditions for the day-night Test
- Captain
- Ben Stokes
- Frontline Spinner
- Shoaib Bashir
- Replacement for Wood
- Will Jacks
- Injured Player
- Mark Wood
- Test Series
- Ashes
- Location
- Brisbane, Australia
- Test Format
- Day-night