England’s decision to pick Will Jacks ahead of specialist spinner Shoaib Bashir for the third Ashes Test was born out of desperation rather than design, according to assistant coach Jeetan Patel, as Australia tightened their grip on the series in Adelaide.
Leaving Bashir out at the Adelaide Oval raised eyebrows, given the venue’s reputation for rewarding high-quality spin. The call came under intense scrutiny on day three as Australia powered towards an unassailable 3–0 lead, exposing England’s thin margins for error.
Jacks, drafted in largely for his batting depth after impressing with the bat in Brisbane, has claimed four wickets in the match so far. However, those gains have come at a heavy cost, with his economy rate ballooning well beyond five runs an over as Australia played him with increasing freedom.
Bashir, who has been a consistent part of Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum’s plans since debuting in early 2024, missed out after a disrupted build-up. A finger injury during the English summer and an underwhelming showing in England’s only warm-up game left doubts over his readiness.
Speaking after the close of play on Friday, Patel admitted England felt they had little choice.
“We were backed into a corner having to play Jacksy,” he said. “The first two pitches did a lot, and we felt we needed that extra batting cover. I think everyone can understand that.
“But Bash is certainly — in my eyes and everyone’s eyes on our side — 100 percent our number one spinner. What he does for this team is fantastic.”
The contrast between the sides’ spin options has been stark. Nathan Lyon’s miserly spell of 2 for 70 at just 2.5 runs per over in England’s first innings allowed Pat Cummins to rotate his quicks efficiently in punishing heat. Jacks, by comparison, struggled to find consistent control, particularly once Australia seized momentum.
Patel, though, defended the all-rounder’s effort.
“I don’t think he’s bowled overly poorly,” he said. “He’s just missed a little short or a little straight at times. I think the way Australia have played him has been excellent — using their feet, getting deep in the crease, working both sides of the wicket.”
Travis Head’s unbeaten 142 and Alex Carey’s fluent 52 not out ensured Australia closed day three on 271 for 4, 356 runs ahead. Patel pointed to Carey’s approach in the first innings as a turning point.
“The way Alex Carey played Jacks put pressure back on us in terms of fields and the questions we had to answer,” he said. “Going forward, we’ll need to find ways for Will to be a bit better.”
Outside the England camp, criticism has been more pointed. Former captain Nasser Hussain suggested Bashir’s omission reflected a worrying dip in confidence or form.
“If Bashir is bowling worse than Jacks, then he’s in a bad place,” Hussain said, speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast. “Jacks’ control of length was all over the place.”
Michael Atherton echoed those concerns, highlighting Lyon’s role as a decisive factor in the match.
“Jacks couldn’t hold pressure at all,” Atherton said. “Lyon didn’t take many wickets, but he gave nothing away. In 40-degree heat, that control is priceless. Jacks ended up going at more than five and a half an over — and that’s a massive difference.”
As Australia edge closer to sealing the Ashes, England’s selection call has come to symbolise a side improvising under pressure, forced into compromises that have so far failed to pay off.
