Bashir still our No.1 spinner, says Stokes

CAPTAIN SENDS REASSURING MESSAGE AFTER TEST SNUB

- RORY DOLLARD

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

England rolled the dice with their team selection for the day/night clash at the Gabba ~ which was due to get under way early this morning - 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.

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