Great summary. I agree with all of it. This Test did make me wonder if the Bethell/Pope conundrum is solved by Bethell playing as the spinner? Him coming in at six, with Stokes seven and Smith eight is a heavyweight batting unit. But, then, they have clearly decided to invest in Bashir so I can't see them deviating from that. Though it's interesting that his contemporary Rehan Ahmed is showing in the CC he can really bat, so I wonder if they are backing the wrong horse? Not that I wish Bashir anything but success, mind you. On the seam attack: hopefully Atkinson is fit again soon and he can rotate on for one of Carse or Tongue, plus Woakes now has a game in his legs too so will hopefully be at full pelt next time out
Stokes absolutely loves Bashir, and he loves having a specialist spinner at his disposal. So yeah it’s one way to get Bethell in the XI but I think it’s unlikely in the extreme.
Hartley was included in the ODI squad against WI but didn’t play. I think they’re fully invested in Bashir as their main Test spinner – Hartley and Rehan will come into the mix on the subcontinent where they’ll play 2 or 3 spinners.
Great summary. I agree with all of it. This Test did make me wonder if the Bethell/Pope conundrum is solved by Bethell playing as the spinner? Him coming in at six, with Stokes seven and Smith eight is a heavyweight batting unit. But, then, they have clearly decided to invest in Bashir so I can't see them deviating from that. Though it's interesting that his contemporary Rehan Ahmed is showing in the CC he can really bat, so I wonder if they are backing the wrong horse? Not that I wish Bashir anything but success, mind you. On the seam attack: hopefully Atkinson is fit again soon and he can rotate on for one of Carse or Tongue, plus Woakes now has a game in his legs too so will hopefully be at full pelt next time out
Stokes absolutely loves Bashir, and he loves having a specialist spinner at his disposal. So yeah it’s one way to get Bethell in the XI but I think it’s unlikely in the extreme.
I am not sure Rehan is a good enough spinner. He may end up being a White ball only player.
What happened to the Left arm spinner Hartley who had a fairly successful Indian tour??
He has just vanished ..
Hartley was included in the ODI squad against WI but didn’t play. I think they’re fully invested in Bashir as their main Test spinner – Hartley and Rehan will come into the mix on the subcontinent where they’ll play 2 or 3 spinners.
Australia will have enjoyed seeing Ben Stokes have to do the heavy lifting for the English bowling attack.
True, but hopefully with Wood and Atkinson returning from injury that won’t be the case by the time November comes around