England have named off-spinner Shoaib Bashir in a 12-man squad for the fifth and final Ashes Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground, marking a potential return for the 22-year-old spinner after missing the first four matches of the series.

Bashir, England’s initial choice for the spin role, has not featured since the third Test against India last July, when he broke a finger at Lord’s but still took the match-sealing wicket. His inclusion in the Sydney squad signals that England may finally opt for a spin-heavy strategy to counter the hosts on the traditionally spin-friendly SCG pitch.

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England’s Squad Selection and Potential Changes

Alongside Bashir, seamer Matthew Potts has been included in the squad, replacing Gus Atkinson, who was ruled out due to a hamstring injury. England captain Ben Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum are expected to announce the final XI two days before the match, which begins on Sunday (23:30 GMT Saturday).

The full England squad for the fifth Ashes Test:

• Ben Stokes (captain)
• Shoaib Bashir
• Jacob Bethell
• Harry Brook
• Brydon Carse
• Zak Crawley
• Ben Duckett
• Will Jacks
• Matthew Potts
• Joe Root
• Jamie Smith
• Josh Tongue

The decision between Bashir and all-rounder Will Jacks could be crucial. Jacks, primarily a batter, has been included to strengthen England’s lower-middle order and has taken four wickets in the series but did not bowl in the two-day warm-up at Melbourne. Bashir, by contrast, provides a specialist spin option but would leave England with a long tail, with Brydon Carse likely batting at number eight.

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Ashes Spin Bowling Trends

This Ashes series has been dominated by seam bowling, with only nine wickets claimed by spinners so far—on track to be the fewest by slow bowlers in any Ashes series of at least four Tests. Australia omitted a spinner for the fourth Test, which England won by four wickets in Melbourne to reduce the series deficit to 3-1.

The SCG has historically favored spin, with Shane Warne, Stuart MacGill, and Nathan Lyon among its leading wicket-takers. Australia may respond with off-spinner Todd Murphy and possibly all-rounder Beau Webster, who offers a spin option, highlighting the tactical importance of spin for the final Test.

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Bashir’s Form and Previous Performances

Bashir has had limited match time on the Ashes tour, appearing only in warm-up games against England Lions and a Cricket Australia XI in Brisbane, returning figures of 2-266. Despite this, his domestic form and previous international experience have convinced England selectors to give him another opportunity.

Seamer Matthew Potts is poised to make his Ashes debut. The Durham pacer, 27, has played ten Tests previously, most recently against New Zealand in late 2024. England opener Zak Crawley praised Potts’ skills:

“He’s bowling really well. I faced a bit of Pottsy, and every time he impresses me. He’s got the heart of a lion and a lot of skill. If he gets the nod this week, he thoroughly deserves it.”

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Implications for the Fifth Ashes Test

The inclusion of Bashir could signal a shift in England’s approach to counter Australia’s spin options at the SCG. With the Ashes series currently at 3-1 in Australia’s favor, strategic selection in the final Test will be crucial for England’s hopes of salvaging pride and challenging the hosts on a historically spin-friendly ground.

Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see whether Shoaib Bashir can make an impact in his Ashes return and whether England’s spin-heavy approach pays off in Sydney.