Spin bowling on the back foot with pace dominating quickfire Ashes:
Nathan Lyon has been the only specialist spinner on show with touring tweaker Shoaib Bashir ...
theguardian.com/sport/2025/dec/31/spin-downturn-pace-dominates-ashes-australia-england-cricket
Photo: theguardian.com · view article
Pace Dominates as Specialist Spin Fades from the AshesNathan Lyon remains the series’ only specialist spinner; Shoaib Bashir has not appeared for England so far.
Key FactsDec 31, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: theguardian.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: theguardian.com
- Nathan Lyon bowled 55 overs as the series’ only specialist spinner before injuring his hamstring on Adelaide’s final day.
- Steve Smith linked Melbourne’s omission of spin to seam-friendly conditions; no spin was bowled there.
- Shoaib Bashir played neither the first three Tests nor Melbourne, after England replaced him with Will Jacks.
- For Sydney’s planned finale, off-spin hopes may rest on Will Jacks and Todd Murphy, who has not played at home.
Spin is the easiest thing to face on some of these wickets that are offering a lot of seam. It’s almost the point of why would you bowl it when you could leak 30 or 40 runs quickly if they decide to play positively, and the game shifts immediately. I love seeing spinners play a part in the game, but right now why would you?— Steve Smith after Australia’s defeat at the MCG; commenting on the role of spin in the Ashes
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Key FactsBashir could feature in the fifth Ashes Test
Dec 24, 2025 · Reading time: ~45 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: bbc.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: bbc.com
- The fifth Test begins in Sydney on 4 January at 23:30 GMT, or 3 January in the United Kingdom.
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