Brendon McCullum has affirmed that Shoaib Bashir will lead England’s spin attack in the upcoming Ashes series, and hinted at a possible change in the vice-captaincy position. Despite facing scrutiny since his Test debut, 21-year-old Bashir has retained the trust of McCullum and the England selectors.
The Somerset right-arm spinner has claimed 68 Test wickets in 19 matches at an average of 39 runs. Although he missed England’s recent encounters with India due to a finger injury, Bashir is set to join the squad for the Ashes, with the decision on his backup, likely Liam Dawson or Reham Ahmed, yet to be finalized.
McCullum mentioned the need for discussions to define the role of the vice-captain and prepare for potential contingencies, emphasizing the importance of leadership within the team. The possibility of Harry Brook assuming the vice-captain role from Ollie Pope was also highlighted, with Brook previously appointed as England’s white-ball captain and seen as a future leader of the Test side.
As preparations intensify for the Ashes, the focus is also on the fitness of star all-rounder Ben Stokes, whose pivotal role in the team is paramount. McCullum acknowledged the importance of having alternative plans in place in case of Stokes’ injury, underscoring the team’s readiness for various scenarios.
The article concludes by inviting readers to share their opinions on whether Harry Brook should be England’s vice-captain for the Ashes, while highlighting the significance of Stokes’ fitness and the team’s strategies for handling potential challenges during the series.