Bashir has not played for England since the third Test against India in July. He suffered a broken finger at Lord’s, yet was still able to take the wicket that sealed a thrilling victory.
His only cricket on the Ashes tour has come in the warm-up game between England and England Lions prior to the first Test, then for the Lions against a Cricket Australia XI in Brisbane. In those games, Bashir returned combined figures of 2-266.
England explained Jacks’ selection by a need to bolster their batting. Primarily a batter, Jacks offered depth at number eight and has taken four wickets. He did not bowl in the two-day Test at Melbourne.
Realistically, England’s choice is between Bashir and Jacks, depending on how much of a role the tourists believe spin will play.
If Bashir gets the nod, it would leave England with a long tail, with Brydon Carse at number eight.
Durham seamer Potts is in line for his Ashes debut as Atkinson’s replacement. Potts played the most recent of his 10 Tests in New Zealand at the end of 2024.
An England regular when Stokes and McCullum took charge in the summer of 2022, the 27-year-old has had a staccato career over the past three years. His previous seven caps have come against six different opponents.
“He’s bowling really well,” said England opener Zak Crawley. “I faced a bit of Pottsy and every time he impresses me.
“He’s got the heart of a lion, a lot of skill and if he gets the nod this week he thoroughly deserves it.”
