Bashir still our number one spinner, says Stokes

CAPTAIN'S ASSURANCE AS 22-YEAR-OLD RELEASED TO PLAY FOR ENGLAND LIONS

- By RORY DOLLARD

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

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

His combination of flighted off-breaks, 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.

While Jacks has been handed the opportunity of a lifetime, Bashir has been released to play for England Lions in a four-day match against Australia A four miles away at Allan Border Field.