Cricket Bashir is still our number one spinner, says skipper Stokes

BEN Stokes has reassured Shoaib Bashir he is still England's number one spinner - despite leaving him out for the second Ashes Test.

- Rory DOLLARD Press Association

England have rolled the dice with their team selection for today's day/night clash at the Gabba, recalling all-rounder Will Jacks for a first appearance in three years.

His combination of flighted offbreaks, dangerous power-hitting and athletic fielding have seen him leapfrog the more one-dimensional Bashir, who has enjoyed unstinting faith from Stokes and head coach Brendon McCullum since usurping left-armer Jack Leach 18 months ago.

For much of that time they have talked up his raw potential and readiness to make a splash Down Under but, after going with all-out pace in the first Test at Perth, England have looked elsewhere again.