Spinner Shoaib Bashir should be England's leading spinner for all matches during their tour in Australia, according to former cricketer Ricky Ponting.
In the upcoming 2025-26 Ashes series, off-spin bowler Shoaib Bashir is being hailed as England's frontline spinner. Former Australia captain Ricky Ponting has expressed his support for Bashir, comparing his style and role to that of Australia's premier off-spinner Nathan Lyon.
Bashir, known for his high release point and bounce, is expected to have an advantage in Australia, particularly due to the footmarks created by bowlers like Mitchell Starc. This could be especially beneficial against a likely left-handed heavy batting lineup from Australia.
Ponting's comparison is not without reason. Bashir's performances in Perth and Brisbane, particularly in Australia, have shown similarities to Lyon's record. However, Lyon, who is Australia’s established lead off-spinner known for consistent performances in Australia, considers Jack Leach to be England's best spinner, despite Bashir's selection.
Leach, a left-arm spinner and former England stalwart, has not featured recently, with his last significant Test outings in 2024 showing a better statistical record than Bashir’s initial performances. Nonetheless, Leach’s experience and effectiveness remain highly regarded, though his absence from the side has created an opening for Bashir.
Here's a brief comparison of the three spinners:
| Player | Role/Type | Current Status | Strengths | Comparison | |----------------|--------------------|-------------------------------|--------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------| | Shoaib Bashir | Off-spin (high release, bounce) | England's frontline spinner, key for 2025-26 Ashes | Ability to exploit footmarks, good versus left-handers, backed by Ponting | Similar style and role to Nathan Lyon, younger & less experienced | | Nathan Lyon | Off-spin (experienced) | Australia's leading off-spinner | Consistent performer in home conditions | Model Bashir is expected to emulate | | Jack Leach | Left-arm spin | England’s experienced spinner, currently out of Test side | Better stats than Bashir in last series played | Lyon considers Leach England’s best spinner, despite Bashir's selection |
Liam Dawson was called up as a replacement for Bashir when he was ruled out of the ongoing series. As the Ashes draw near, the spotlight is on Bashir to prove his mettle and live up to the high expectations set by Ponting and the English coaching staff.
Sports enthusiasts are eagerly following cricket news as the 2025-26 Ashes series approaches, and the spotlight is on off-spin bowler Shoaib Bashir, who has been hailed as England's frontline spinner. In discussions about his potential role, his performances in Australia have been compared to those of Nathan Lyon, Australia's premier off-spinner, by former captain Ricky Ponting.
