Brisbane, Dec 3 (NationPress) England's captain Ben Stokes has reaffirmed Shoaib Bashir as the premier spinner in the squad, despite Will Jacks being chosen for the second Ashes Test in Brisbane.

The English team announced their lineup for the second Test of the Ashes series on Tuesday, introducing Will Jacks to replace the injured Mark Wood for the pink-ball encounter.

On the eve of the day-night match in Brisbane, Stokes emphasized that the decision was influenced by conditions and team dynamics, rather than any diminished confidence in Bashir.

“We assessed how we intended to utilize spin, and there was a tactical aspect involved. Jacksy’s batting ability adds value to our lower order. However, should it come down to selecting our best, No 1 spinner, the decision would favor Bashir,” Stokes conveyed to reporters on Wednesday.

“If it’s about choosing our best spinner, he’s the one. We believe this is the optimal XI for the conditions and the game situation, but he understands that if it’s about our best spinner, he’s the one,” he added.

With England prioritizing Jacks’ all-around capabilities, Bashir will participate in an unofficial Test for the Lions against Australia A, also taking place in Brisbane, starting Friday.

The only modification to the lineup that suffered a loss in the first Test in Perth within two days is Jacks stepping in for Wood, who is out due to ongoing discomfort in his left knee, following surgery earlier this year.

Wood remains with the squad, targeting a comeback later in the series, with the third Test in Adelaide still two weeks away.

“It’s certainly a setback, but we are doing everything possible, and the medical team is working hard to ensure he may be available for selection in the final three matches. We still have ample time in this tour, and we’ll see how it unfolds,” Stokes stated.