Interesting - would have expected Rehan Ahmed if we took 2 spinners, and Brook being made VC makes me think they're considering dropping Pope for Bethell.
Would make sense . Pope has been disappointment the last 18 months and I’m not sure his decision making in the field is up to scratch when he took over as captain. They also have big plans for Bethell as well .
Other option is they could be thinking Smith at 3, Pope keeping?
Would be surprised. I did hear on the grapevine that they wouldn't be taking another keeper and that Pope would be the back up with the gloves but I think they are desperate to get Bethell in there somewhere. Jacks, despite him not being a red ball spinner of any note, might play in one of the Tests if they really think that it will offer nothing for Bashir and specifically the day/night match. That would strengthen the batting for a game that traditionally doesn't last many days.
If it's a non spinning pitch, I'd rather have Sam Curran than Jacks.
It'd an odd one. Not one I'd have done but trying to see some logic to it. Are they thinking along the lines of - spin has played less and less of a part I'm Aus over the last couple years. So adding something with the bat is important. It's too early for Rehan the bowler and the Ausdies would likely go after leg spin. Left armers get destroyed in Aus so that rules out Dawson. So picking on "attributes" they like Bashir because he is tall and creates the right angles with his off spin. Jacks has similar "attributes". He is also an above exceptional fielder so a bonus as sub in the squad who is unlikely to play. If he does play it's potentially in the place of Stokes if he gets injured. They're thinking he cam bowl a lot of overs whilst adding something with the bat and in the field.
Not a selection I'd have made but that's the justification I'm guessing.
I'd have taken a bigger squad but have some with the lions at various points.
Rehan and Dawson around as the spinners. A proper backup keeper (Cox maybe?). Olly Stone as a wildcard quick - I think we are one quick short given the fragility of Wood, Archer and Stokes.
I rate the Potts decision. He is another who can bowl a lot of overs allowing you to rotate the quicker bowlers at the other end. Expect him to do well in the pink ball test.
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Not a selection I'd have made but that's the justification I'm guessing.
Rehan and Dawson around as the spinners. A proper backup keeper (Cox maybe?). Olly Stone as a wildcard quick - I think we are one quick short given the fragility of Wood, Archer and Stokes.
I rate the Potts decision. He is another who can bowl a lot of overs allowing you to rotate the quicker bowlers at the other end. Expect him to do well in the pink ball test.