Wildcard selection Will Jacks has been named as a surprise addition to England’s lineup for the second Ashes Test, taking the place of Shoaib Bashir in Brisbane.
Jacks, who previously played two Test matches on Pakistan’s spinning pitches three years ago and has mainly featured in limited-overs cricket since then, was an unexpected choice for the tour but is now gearing up to participate in a crucial day/night match at the Gabba.
With paceman Mark Wood sidelined by injury, it was anticipated that the visiting team would make a change after their rapid defeat in Perth, opting for a slow bowling option over additional seamers Josh Tongue and Matthew Potts.
Bashir has been England’s primary spinner for the past couple of years, capturing 68 wickets in 19 matches but has struggled to fully establish himself. Despite being the reserve player in the initial 12-man squad for the first Test, he has been replaced by Jacks, who brings superior batting skills and sharper fielding to the team.
Jacks’ off-spin abilities are an added advantage, demonstrated during a net session where he and Bashir bowled at Stokes under floodlights, with Jacks impressing enough to secure his spot. His performance for England Lions at Lilac Hill, where he dismissed Stokes, Joe Root, and Harry Brook, further strengthened his case for selection.
In his debut Test in Multan, Jacks took six wickets for 161 runs but had limited opportunities in subsequent innings. Last season, he played only three first-class games for Surrey, claiming five wickets at an average of 38.80.
England’s decision to include a spinner in the bowling attack was influenced by the effectiveness of Australian spinner Nathan Lyon in day/night matches, as acknowledged by Stokes. The team’s primary focus remains on maintaining the fitness and form of their pace bowlers, including Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, and Stokes himself. Stokes also highlighted the aggressive batting skills of the team’s lineup, with Jacks contributing four first-class centuries from the number eight position.
Explaining the surprise selection of Jacks, men’s cricket managing director Rob Key emphasized Jacks’ potential contribution with both bat and ball, highlighting his ability to handle pressure and adapt to challenging conditions overseas.