(Source X)
Michael Vaughan has voiced his dissatisfaction with England’s selection for the upcoming first Test against the West Indies, criticizing the inclusion of players not regularly chosen for their county teams. Led by Ben Stokes, England will face the West Indies at Lord’s starting Wednesday, July 10, with the home team historically strong against the West Indies in Tests on English soil, having clinched the series 2-1 in 2020 after dropping the opening match.
They Are Not Looking At County Cricket – Michael Vaughan
During The Vaughany and Tuffers Podcast, Michael Vaughan raised doubts about the selection of off-spinner Shoaib Bashir and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, highlighting their secondary roles in their county teams. Vaughan expressed disappointment with the selectors’ approach, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing county cricket performances in player selection.
“They are not looking at County cricket. They are just looking at the players. Bashir is not the first-choice spinner at Somerset, Jack Leach is. Ben Foakes is the first-choice keeper at Surrey and not Jamie Smith. England are picking players that aren’t first-choice at their counties. I don’t think they are looking at County cricket as a tool to say ‘You are an international cricketer.'”
Shoaib Bashir, who made his debut earlier this year during the India tour, is set to play his inaugural Test match in England. With an impressive tally of 17 wickets across three Tests against India, Bashir brings considerable bowling prowess to the English squad.
Jamie Smith, selected on the back of scoring over 500 runs in the County Championship for Surrey, will make his debut behind the stumps at Lord’s. His consistent batting performances in domestic cricket have earned him a spot in the national Test team lineup.
Shoaib Bashir Over Jack Leach Is An Intriguing One – Michael Vaughan
Michael Vaughan voiced his astonishment at Shoaib Bashir’s selection over Jack Leach in England’s XI, emphasizing that Leach would have been a more suitable pick, especially in light of upcoming Ashes preparations. The former cricketer and commentator highlighted Bashir’s position as the team’s secondary spinner.
“Bashir over Jack Leach is an intriguing one. I would have gone for Jack Leach. Bashir is a wonderful talent and no doubt that in a two-man spin attack he would be the second spinner. But Jack Leach has earned the right for being England’s No.1. In Australia, a left-arm spinner against their right-handers, they haven’t got many left-handers. Left-arm spin is quite a good option in Australia,” Vaughan added.
Gus Atkinson is set to make his Test debut in the upcoming match in London, joining Chris Woakes and James Anderson as England’s primary seamers. Woakes returns to red-ball cricket for the first time since the 5th Ashes Test last year, while Anderson will conclude his illustrious international career after his 188th Test match.
England, currently positioned at the bottom of the World Test Championship (WTC) points table, seeks a revival against the West Indies. Under the leadership of Ben Stokes, the team has secured only three victories from ten matches in the ongoing cycle.
