Ashes 2015: 'England could play Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid at Oval'
England should try two-spinner team ahead of UAE, says Butcher
Thursday 21 April 2016 16:57, UK
England should consider playing both Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid in the fifth Ashes Test at The Oval with spin set to play a key role in their impending series against Pakistan.
That’s the view of Verdict panellist Mark Butcher, who says that with the urn secured Alastair Cook can afford to tinker with his side ahead of the three-Test tour of the UAE this autumn.
And former England and Surrey batsman Butcher feels a seamer would most likely make way if leg-spinner Rashid joined off-spinner Moeen in the starting XI to face Australia.
“It might be a good chance to see how you can get two spinners in the team and with Ben Stokes your ready-made all-rounder it might mean leaving out one of the quicks.”
“If conditions are as they have been at The Oval over the last few weeks - very, very dry and very, very abrasive - then you are thinking reverse swing, pace and spin,” said Butcher, who is also adamant that England won’t risk James Anderson in south London.
“You may even look at playing two spinners as that’s without any doubt something England will have to do when they play against Pakistan.
“It might be a good chance to see how you can get two spinners in the team and with Ben Stokes your ready-made all-rounder it might mean leaving out one of the quicks.”
The Ashes - Live
England crushed Australia by an innings and 78 runs to regain The Ashes in the fourth Test at Trent Bridge, subjecting the tourists to a second three-day defeat in succession.
Tom Moody, however, does not expect the Baggy Greens to make sweeping alterations to their side at The Oval, a venue where they have won just six times in 36 Test matches.
“I think Australia will make very few changes but I hope they go back to having the all-rounder at No 6,” said Moody. “I think it was an error in changing that in the fourth Test.
“Adam Voges has done enough [with his fifty at Trent Bridge] to see the series out and Chris Rogers should be allowed to do the same, if he is indeed going to retire at the end of it.”
Coverage of the fifth Ashes Test from The Oval begins at 10am on Thursday, August 20, live on Sky Sports Ashes HD. You can also watch the fifth Test with a NOW TV Sports Day Pass. Plus, our Ashes Events Centre - the best of Sky Cricket's analysis at your fingertips - is available on our iPad app.
