Mark Butcher, a former middle order batsman for England, emphasized the significance of selecting a spin bowler for the team’s starting lineup against Australia.
Rehan Ahmed’s inclusion, in the opinion of the former cricketer-turned-commentator, might allow him to turn the ball away from the left-handers.
In order to cover for off-spinning all-rounder Moeen Ali, Rehan Ahmed was secretly added to the team for the second Ashes Test.
The 18-year-old leg-spinner made his Test debut against Pakistan in Karachi last year and claimed a wicket to demonstrate that he belongs at the highest level.
Mark Butcher said, “It’s a difficult situation for England to be in”.
A stunning haul on Test debut for Rehan Ahmed as he breaks Pat Cummins' record 😯#PAKvENG | #WTC23https://t.co/9z6HtZhS8J
— ICC (@ICC) December 19, 2022
Butcher noted in his column for Sky Sports that Rehan Ahmed’s propensity to bowl more googlies should be to England’s advantage and can also help with runs in the lower order.
He said:
“I believe you will need to select a spin bowler, and they have added the 18-year-old Rehan Ahmed from the ‘Bazball’ selection to the squad.”
“You will still have the option of turning the ball away from the Australian left-handers because he will bowl wicket-taking deliveries and more googlies than leg-spinners.”
“He can also put some effort into position 8, which is essentially what they asked Mo to do.”
At Edgbaston, Moeen Ali made his Test debut and took three wickets. The seasoned spinner is questionable to compete at Lord’s after suffering a finger injury during the game.
Butcher continued by cautioning the hosts that Australia has historically won at Lord’s, particularly now that England is traveling there after dropping the first Test.
He then continued:
“It’s a difficult situation for England to be in. It’s crucial for them that Australia arrives at Lord’s with a 1-0 lead.”
“It has always been a challenging setting for England when playing Australia. England’s current situation is difficult.”
“It’s crucial for them that Australia arrives at Lord’s with a 1-0 lead. Australia at this location has always presented a challenge for England.”
A simply staggering Test match comes to a close.
Australia win by 2️⃣ wickets 🤝
What an epic and entertaining five days of cricket we've seen. #EnglandCricket | #Ashes pic.twitter.com/KZEIsuxCCx
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) June 20, 2023
Ben Stokes’ second-innings hundred helped the last Ashes Test at Lord’s end in a draw.
Travis Head played 90 deliveries to guide Australia to safety while the visitors had lost six wickets.
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