Recently, England has made odd but strong red-ball cricket calls. During the India series, they supported untested spinners Shaoib Bashir, Rehan Ahmad, and Tom Hartley, and in the first Test against West Indies at Lord’s, they benched Jonny Bairstow and Ben Foakes for Jamie Smith
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has assessed England’s strategy and stated that the team management does not use County Cricket to select international cricketers, but rather looks for players who fit the system.
County cricket is not their focus. Just watching the players. Somerset’s first-choice spinner is Jack Leach, not Bashir. Surrey’s first-choice keeper is Ben Foakes, not Jamie Smith. England is selecting outsiders at their counties. Vaughan noted on The Vaughany and Tuffers Podcast that County cricket is not a method to prove international status.
Interesting choice: Bashir over Jack Leach. Michael Vaughan
Vaughan was disappointed England chose Bashir above Jack Leach in the West Indies series. He believes the 33-year-old is “England’s No. 1” and should be given chances to sustain his confidence, notably against Australia in Ashes 2025.
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“Bashir over Jack Leach is intriguing. Would have chosen Jack Leach. Bashir is a great spinner and would be the second spinner in a two-man assault. Jack Leach deserves England’s No.1 spot. Left-arm spinners against right-handers are rare in Australia. Left-arm spin works well in Australia, Vaughan added.
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